The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has issued a statement on the comments made by National Team Head Coach Fandi Ahmad during a pre-match press conference on 6 Sept.
Below is FAS’ statement in full
The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) regrets that National Team Head Coach Fandi Ahmad’s comments during the pre-match press conference on 6 September 2018 for the match between Singapore and Mauritius, have upset members of the Sikh community.
Fandi and the FAS have contacted Mr. Dilenjit Singh (The New Paper reporter) and the Sikh Advisory Board (SAB) to explain, apologise and clarify the matter. Mr. Singh gracefully accepted our explanation and apology. Our discussion with the Sikh Advisory Board has also revealed that the comments could be hurtful to the Sikh community even though they were not made with any malicious intent.
As such, the FAS has taken the opportunity to remind all our staff to be sensitive about all remarks made even in jest and accord to the highest level of professionalism and respect in engaging our stakeholders and the community at all times.