LionsXII’s Firdaus Kasman fined $10,000 for violation of FAS Code of Conduct
The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) slapped a $10,000 fine on LionsXII midfielder Firdaus Kasman, after he admitted to behaving in a manner that is "unbecoming" of a FAS ambassador.
The 24-year-old was suspended from all footballing activities last week after he was allegedly involved in a theft incident during his belated birthday celebration on 4 February at Clarke Quay with his fiancé and childhood friend.
The former Tampines Rovers player had recounted being helped to the toilet as he felt like vomiting after consuming some alcohol drinks.
At an internal disciplinary hearing on Tuesday, Firdaus admitted to violating clause 1(b) of the FAS code of conduct, which states that as an ambassador of FAS, he "must avoid putting himself in a situation that could disparage the image of Singapore, FAS, his club or fellow LionsXII players, coaches or officials".
In addition, he was also found guilty of flouting clause 8(f) which bans players from consuming alcohol at all times.
In view of his offences, the Panel, which is chaired by FAS vice president Lim Kia Tong and comprised council member Mohamed Muzammil and FAS deputy secretary secretary P. Sivakumar decided to fine Firdaus the sum, which amounted to nearly three times his monthly salary.
In addition to the fine, Firdaus also has to conduct talks on the
consequences of breaching the FAS code of conduct to the LionsXII, Young Lions and
the respective National Football Academy Teams.
When delivering the decision of the panel, Lim, who is also the chairman of the Asian Football Confederation's Disciplinary Committee and a Member of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, said they were "extremely mindful" of the fact that Firdaus was so intoxicated that he required assistance to the toilet.
"(It) was a conduct which brings negative publicity, embarrassment or disrepute to FAS and has tarnished and disparaged the image of Singapore and FAS," he said, and added: "Firdaus' misconduct should be met with a punishment that will send a strong deterrent
signal to him and all like-minded players at all levels of the game, that FAS will not
tolerate nor condone this form of misbehaviour as well as other misbehaviours including
smoking."
He noted however that the player was remorseful of his actions and had offered a "sincere and qualified apology to the FAS, to his coaches, team management, support staff and players of LionsXII, the fans, his family and his loved ones".
The panel also took into account Firdaus' unblemished disciplinary record prior to this indiscretion.
In his written statement to the FAS, LionsXII coach V. Sundramoorthy also described Firdaus as "a disciplined and courteous player" whom he never had any trouble with.
The coach also expressed confidence that Firdaus will not re-offend and that he will guide the latter "to be a better player and a better individual".
Firdaus also openly expressed regret over his actions. "This is a heavy punishment, which is nearly three months of my salary. However, I have accepted it. I treasure this chance and I shall constantly remind myself and the other players of the terms of the code of conduct which we had promised to comply when we signed it."
Promising to be a model professional in future, Firdaus said his immediate priority is to resume training and to win back his place in the LionsXII team.
Fans were also willing to welcome Firdaus back into the fold. Freelance copywriter Sebastian Fernandez, 38, said what is most important is that the player learn from his mistakes. "Everyone deserves a second chance. So if he is truly repentant, he should still be allowed to represent LionsXII."
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