FAS shambles must be corrected quickly

The recent revelations about the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) have shocked fans of local football.

In 2015, FAS general secretary Winston Lee told TODAY that Singapore was lagging behind our regional rivals because their budgets dwarf ours (FAS’ remedy for what ails football: More of everything; July 4, 2015).

Now, we know that Tiong Bahru Football Club donated S$500,000 to the Asean Football Federation. The more alarming proposition is that these skeletons might have remained in the cupboard had Fifa not made an FAS election mandatory.

Several questions must be answered, including whether this was a one-off incident. Have our rivals made similar donations? Is there any link between this donation and the proposed Asean Super League?

Furthermore, questions must be asked about the FAS’ current model of governance. Members of the previous committee have expressed surprise at the revelations (FAS’ financial practices ‘are sound, but donation policy needed’; April 25).

Those with experience in the prior committee and standing for election should be upfront about the decision-making process previously and what led to the current situation. Most importantly, what will they do, if elected, to improve it?

The reason that Singapore’s most popular sport has been unable to attract big sponsorships from businesses is now clear: The state of affairs does not justify the investment.

Given these conditions, it is no surprise to see talented Singaporeans leaving our shores in order to maximise their playing potential and skill set.

This saga also raises questions as to how appropriate the current model of club management is and whether gambling outfits are masquerading as football clubs.

In Tiong Bahru FC’s case, less money has been spent on footballing activities than its other operations. More incredibly, Sinchi FC, which played in the S.League from 2003 to 2005, still operates a clubhouse and its associated jackpot machines.

Is the current model valid going forward, or should it be changed and football clubs be run as private enterprises? Also, if a non-S.League club operates a clubhouse but does not support footballing activities, where do the profits go?

At a time when Singapore is trying to become a hub for world-class sporting events, the current shambles risk destroying the hard work involved.

Things seem to be looking up with the Singapore-Argentina friendly in June and the International Champions Cup in July, but we cannot hope to continue attracting world-renowned events and teams if our house is on fire.

The authorities should take appropriate measures swiftly and decisively.