S-League’s deputy CEO resigns

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced on Monday that S-League's deputy chief executive officer, Johan Gouttefangeas, will step down.

The Frenchman's resignation comes after news reports revealed that the 34-year-old was banned in France for five years after his business went into liquidation.

Said Gouttefangeas in a FAS statement, "I am thankful that the FAS has completed its investigation into the recent allegation that I was a bankrupt and affirmed that I was not adjudged a bankrupt."

"While I am still confident that I will be able to add value and help bring the S-League to the next level, I have decided that under the current circumstances, it is in the best interests of the league and Singapore football that I relinquish my post."

The former chairman of S-League club Etoile FC also thanked the FAS, S-League, stakeholders, sponsors and fans for their support and urged all to continue supporting the team.

"FAS and the S-League did their due diligence checks on me prior to the appointment… It was an oversight on my part that I failed to disclose to FAS the fact that my companies in France were liquidated and that the court in France had imposed on me the prohibition to manage any sole proprietorship, artisanal or commercial," Gouttefangeas admitted.

In response, FAS president Zainudin Nordin said that while they were "disappointed" with Gouttefangeas for failing to disclose the necessary, they "accepted his apology as we believe it was an oversight on his part".

"I do understand the concerns expressed by some football officials… (and) I am also heartened to note that other officials and fans have asked that we give Mr Gouttefangeas an opportunity to prove his worth, said Zainudin. "Mr Gouttefangeas has however requested to step down from his position."

Added Zainudin, "We are less than two weeks away from the kick-off of our 17th season, and with the new initiatives including the inclusion of Brunei DPMM FC and Harimau Muda, I am confident and excited that we will have a great season ahead."