Darwin Wants Fifa Action Over Electoral Process

Former Balestier Khalsa vice-chairman Darwin Jalil has lodged an appeal to Fifa after his team were deemed ineligible to contest the upcoming Football Association of Singapore (FAS) elections following the disqualification of a replacement candidate.

- Kimberly Kwek

He had planned to lead a nine-member slate under the "Football First" banner in the April 28 elections at Raffles Town Club.

However, the rejection of Neo Gim Chye on eligibility grounds led to the team's disqualification, paving the way for tech billionaire and Lion City Sailors chairman Forrest Li to assume the FAS presidency unopposed.

On April 18, FAS confirmed that Li's team are the only candidates nominated on a slate basis for the 2025-29 term.

When contacted on the same day, Darwin confirmed he has sent a letter to Fifa to seek intervention over what his team deem as unfair disqualification.

In the 40-year-old's appeal letter seen by The Straits Times, he outlined a timeline of events that he claims demonstrate irregularities in the electoral process.

Chief among his concerns was the rejection of Neo's candidacy for the role of deputy president.