Statement from Football Association of Singapore

MSL Firdaus Kasman Suspension

LionsXII’s Firdaus Kasman (left) disputes a foul against his team during their MSL encounter with Terengganu. The midfielder has been fined $10,000 for breaching the code of conduct. (Photo © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 — The Football Association of Singapore conducted an Internal Disciplinary hearing on February 14th, 2012 against LionsXII’s midfielder, Firdaus Kasman, for violating the FAS Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics for LionsXII Players (“the Code of Conduct”).

At the hearing, Firdaus admitted without qualification his violation of Clauses 1(b) and 8(f) of the Code of Conduct. Clause 1(b) states that he is an Ambassador of FAS and he must avoid putting himself in a situation that could disparage the image of Singapore, FAS, his club or fellow LionsXII Players, Coaches or Officials. Clause 8(f) states that “no alcohol shall be consumed at any time”.

In his mitigation plea to the Panel, he took full responsibility for the violations and was remorseful for his actions.

The Panel, chaired by Lim Kia Tong, FAS Vice President, included Mohamed Muzammil Bin Mohamed, FAS Council member and P. Sivakumar, FAS Deputy General Secretary.

The Panel fined Firdaus a sum of $10,000.

In addition to the fine imposed, Firdaus shall be required to conduct talks on the consequences of breaching the FAS Code of Conduct to the LionsXII, Young Lions and the respective National Football Academy Teams.

In arriving at the punishment imposed on Firdaus, the Panel took into account the following mitigating factors:

i. Firdaus’ sincere and unqualified apology to the FAS, to his coaches, team management, support staff and players of LionsXII, the fans, his family and his loved ones.

ii. Firdaus truly regrets his action which he agreed was unbecoming of a professional football player.

iii. His clean disciplinary record since his involvement in football with NFA U-15, U-16, U-17, U-18, Tampines Rovers, Home United, the 2010 Asian Games and the 2011 SEA Games teams.

iv. His coach Mr V. Sundram Moorthy confirmed in a written statement, submitted to the Panel, that Firdaus was “a disciplined and courteous player” whom he never had any trouble with and that he attended training diligently. He also said that Firdaus never missed training under him until this incident and that Firdaus is a very talented player who puts in 100% effort during training and games.

v. Coach Sundram is confident that Firdaus will not reoffend. In the written statement he assured the Panel that he would “take responsibility” to guide Firdaus “to be a better player and a better individual”.

Vice President Lim Kia Tong, who is also the Chairman of the Asian Football Confederation’s Disciplinary Committee and a Member of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, in delivering the decision of the Panel, said: “The Panel is extremely mindful that the consumption of alcohol by Firdaus to the extent that he required assistance to the toilet to vomit was a conduct which brings negative publicity, embarrassment or disrepute to FAS and has tarnished and disparaged the image of Singapore and FAS.

Aggravating Factors

“Although the Panel attaches weight to the mitigating factors in favour of Firdaus, the Panel cannot ignore the fact that Firdaus had violated the Code of Conduct against the consumption of alcohol at anytime. The Panel has taken into consideration at least three aggravating factors namely:

i. That Firdaus had violated the relevant Clause of the FAS Code of Conduct just one month after signing the Code of Conduct on 5th January 2012.

ii. That Firdaus had consumed alcohol which resulted in him being helped to the toilet to vomit.

iii. That Firdaus knew that there would be training the next day (ie 5th February 2012) at 6.30pm.

“Firdaus’ misconduct should be met with a punishment that will send a strong deterrent signal to him and all like-minded players at all levels of the game, that FAS will not tolerate nor condone this form of misbehaviour as well as other misbehaviours including smoking.

“When FAS crafted the strict prohibitions against drinking and smoking, FAS was and will continue to be fully aware that these habits or practices of drinking and smoking are detrimental to the players’ health and high level of performance on the field of play. Thus if a player is contracted to play for FAS, it is incumbent on the players to play according to our terms.

“The terms in the Player’s Contract and the Code of Conduct are our terms to be complied with. A player who wants to earn a living with FAS and who claims that he plays the game for passion must not allow such desires to be diluted or destroyed by undesirable practices like drinking or smoking.”

Second chance to Firdaus and to all other players

“The punishment of a fine, and not a termination of his contract with LionsXII, is in effect a second chance given to Firdaus.

I want all LionsXII players as well as all other players playing under the banner of FAS and for Singapore to be fully aware that this “second chance” also applies to them too. This is a clear signal from FAS that if any of them violates the FAS Code of Conduct in particular the prohibitions against drinking and smoking, FAS will not give much weight to any plea of a “second chance.”

Ambassadors

“FAS have constantly reminded players that they are the ambassadors of FAS and Singapore and that there would be zero tolerance for any form of misconduct. FAS will continue to come down hard on any form of player’s misconduct. The high level of discipline and professionalism required of a professional player shall not be compromised,” added Mr Lim.

Said Firdaus Kasman: “I would, once again, like to apologise sincerely to everyone, including FAS, the coaches and players of the LionsXII, my fans and family for behaving unprofessionally and I deeply regret my actions.”

“The Panel was very strict and I was very fearful of the Panel terminating my contract. I am grateful that they finally decided to give me a second chance to realise my childhood dream, which is to play for the National Team and to continue to play professional football in Singapore.

“This is a heavy punishment, which is nearly three months of my salary. However, I have accepted it. I treasure this chance and I shall constantly remind myself and the other players of the terms of the Code of Conduct which we had promised to comply when we signed it. I shall be a model professional going forward.

“My immediate priority now is to resume training and earn back a place in the LionsXII team.”

Firdaus may again be called up for disciplinary process depending on the outcome of the ongoing police investigation. However Firdaus has denied any wrong doing on his part and has been actively cooperating with the authorities. As the police are still investigating, it is inappropriate for FAS to make further comment on the matter.