FAS
lifts ban imposed on Aussie footballer Abbas Saad in
1995
SINGAPORE: The Football Association of Singapore (FAS)
council on Thursday lifted the suspension imposed in June 1995 on
Australian Abbas Saad from all football activities in
Singapore.
The suspension followed his conviction in Singapore's Courts for
helping then team-mate Michal Vana in a conspiracy to fix matches
in the FAM Premier League competition.
The FAS said Abbas had appealed to have the suspension lifted. In
reaching its decision, the council considered the circumstances,
nature and extent of the violation, the punishment meted out by the
court and the character and contributions of Abbas Saad.
Abbas was a key player when he represented Singapore in the FAM
Semi-Pro League, FAM Premier League and the Malaysia Cup
competitions for three seasons in 1990, 1993 and 1994, especially
in helping the Lions achieve a double in 1994 when Singapore won
both the FAM Premier League and Malaysia Cup.
The council noted that Abbas has already served almost 14 years of
suspension and has kept a clean record since. The FAS added that
Abbas has expressed interest to return to Singapore to contribute
to local football in future.
Abbas said: "I am grateful and thank FAS for giving me this second
chance. I acknowledge that Singapore has strict laws. I am
determined to erase this dark incident of my life forever and look
forward to starting a new chapter for the better and to make good
back in Singapore to all the football supporters who have given me
so much love and support during my playing days. I look forward to
contributing to the development of Singapore football."
FAS General Secretary Winston Lee said: "Considering all the
circumstances of the case, it is timely now to lift the ban. We
believe that he can contribute to the further development of
Singapore football.
"However, this does not mean that FAS is softening its tough stand
against football corruption. Once again, we reiterate our tough
stand against any form of football corruption and our firm
commitment to weeding out this scourge from the game. We will
remain ever-vigilant and will press on with measures to detect and
punish wrongdoers."
Abbas Saad played for Singapore in two spells, first in 1990 and
then from 1993 to 1994 in the FAM Semi-Pro League, FAM Premier
League and Malaysia Cup competitions.
He also turned out for Johor in 1991 and 1992. Abbas was capped at
senior international level for Australia and turned out for them in
two World Cup qualifying campaigns.
On June 1995, he was found guilty for his part in helping then
team-mate Michal Vana in a conspiracy to fix results in the FAM
Premier League competition.
Abbas was implicated when he agreed to help Vana to win games for
Singapore by scoring goals. He never received any money and pulled
out after three matches. On the whole, Abbas played a minor role.
He was a first-time offender.
In imposing only a fine instead of imprisonment, District Judge Mr
Khoo Oon Soo pointed out that Abbas was a "secondary conspirator",
unlike previous football corruption cases.
The learned Judge cited two previous cases involving "primary
conspirators" who were given stiff sentences as follows: the first
was imprisoned for 18 months and fined S$40,000, while the second
was imprisoned for 30 months and fined S$40,000.
FAS subsequently imposed a life ban on Abbas from participating in
all football activities in Singapore. The ban was extended to a
worldwide ban by FIFA.
FIFA lifted this world-wide ban after one year. Abbas then resumed
his playing career in Australia till 2003 before hanging up his
boots.
He then turned to coaching. Today, he is a certified and qualified
coach, having received coaching certificates at the Junior,
Intermediate and Senior Levels from the Football Federation of
Australia (FFA).
His expertise is in youth development. He was recently appointed
the Youth Coaching Director at Sydney Olympic FC. He is also the
National Head Coach of deaf football Australia, as well as head
coach of Trinity Grammar School. - CNA/vm