Replies to Media ● Jan 26, 2014
FAS’ reply to Media Queries on fixture clash between LionsXII and National Team
Following Jordan’s successful qualification to the 2014 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff matches which were played in November 2013, the Singapore vs Jordan AFC Asian Cup 2015 qualifying match on November 19, 2013 was rescheduled to February 4, 2014 – a date which was set earlier by the AFC Competitions Committee if the member associations were unable to agree on a new date.
AFC regulations state that the rescheduled match should be played before Match Day 6 of the AFC Asian Cup 2015 qualifiers on March 5, 2014.
In view of the limited window period, we requested and then appealed to Jordan FA to reschedule the match to a later date in February. Our request and appeal were both rejected.
As the FAM FA Cup match between Singapore and Pahang was also scheduled to be played on February 4, we sought a change in the date once we received the fixtures’ list. In view of the tight schedule and ongoing MSL matches, the FA Cup match between Singapore and Pahang has been rescheduled to be played on February 1, 2014.
Our coaches are always in discussions to optimise their teams’ preparations for upcoming matches and competitions, including the upcoming FA Cup and AFC Asian Cup matches. We will manage the squads due to play both matches judiciously and as always, we will field the best available team after taking into account our objectives. In accordance with the usual procedures, we have also written to the clubs to seek the release of the players whom we would like to call up for international duty on February 4.
Going forward, we will continue to work with our partners, including clubs and member associations, to address and tackle key challenges, including fixture congestion.
