Replies to Media ● Feb 20, 2013
FAS’ reply to media queries on match-fixing
“The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to match-fixing/football corruption which includes the imposition of permanent suspension from all football activities on any player or official, convicted in a court of law for football corruption offences.
We take a serious view of allegations pertaining to match-fixing and football corruption activities and the authorities and FAS will spare no effort in minimising the possibility of such activities taking place within the local football scene.
The problem of match-fixing is not just confined to Asia. It is a global problem and FAS will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities, both at the domestic and international levels, to combat match fixing and football corruption aggressively.
As part of the robust system that has been established by FAS, a briefing by the relevant authorities will be conducted prior to the commencement of each season for officials, players and staff on what constitutes match-fixing/football corruption and the consequences that come with it.
FAS has also implemented measures throughout every season including the requirement that officials and players must report immediately to their respective clubs and relevant authorities should they be approached by anyone who attempts to lead them in the wrong direction.
Upon receipt of information pertaining to possible cases of match fixing, FAS will immediately contact its relevant partners, both in Singapore and overseas, and work closely with them in the investigations.
In addition to its education initiatives mentioned above, other measures that FAS has successfully implemented include random polygraph testing for which we have been commended by FIFA and AFC. Under this practice, all players have to sign a form agreeing to the polygraph tests, and FAS can request for the players to undergo a random test anytime. The introduction of lie-detector tests for soccer players has had a big impact on reducing match-fixing and corruption in Singapore – especially in recent years during which there was no case of any player being convicted on charges of match-fixing.
We are encouraged to note that no players were convicted of match-fixing in Singapore in recent years. There was a case of attempted match-fixing last year when two foreigners offered a large sum of money to one of our clubs’ goalkeeper to persuade him to influence the result of a match. In line with our Standard Operating Procedures, the goalkeeper reported the incident to FASofficials who immediately informed the relevant authorities. FAS worked closely with them to investigate the matter and the foreigners were subsequently convicted and sentenced to imprisonment.
Going forward, we will continue to be on our guard at all times and will always take the necessary action and measures to minimise the threat of match fixing.”
