Replies to Media ● May 27, 2013
FAS reply to media queries relating to Causeway Challenge
“The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) had, on 30 January 2013, agreed with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) on the dates (4 June in Malaysia and 7 June in Singapore) for this year’s Causeway Challenge.
“We sent a letter to FAM on 15 May with details such as training and match requirements for the two matches, which were agreed upon in January. We had also written to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to sanction the Causeway Challenge Cup and it was approved on 17 May.
“The Causeway Challenge is a key competition in our international calendar and it would be disrespectful for any side to field their ‘B’ Team to take on the opponent’s Senior Team. Hence, we were surprised by claims that FAS had planned to send a ‘B’ Team, which is completely untrue.
“We were in the midst of preparations for the upcoming matches, including the selection of national players and other arrangements, when we received, on 22 May, an official letter from the Football Association of Malaysia, which informed us that their national football team will not be able to participate in the Causeway Challenge 2013 due to the unavailability of its first and second national team on the two dates, which were earlier agreed upon by both sides.
“FAS immediately contacted other Football Associations in the region to enquire on their availability to play Singapore’s National Team on 4 June and 7 June. Notwithstanding our strong relations with other Member Associations, we deeply appreciate that Myanmar and Laos accepted our requests, which were made at short notice.
“We had been looking forward to the Causeway Challenge, which was agreed upon in January by both sides and hence we are disappointed that it has been cancelled. We would however like to extend our best wishes to Malaysia’s Senior National Team in their preparations and upcoming matches.”
