FAS defends dropping of U-17 player Mika Bazil Baihakki, says full commitment is essential

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has stood by its decision to remove youth player Mika Bazil Baihakki from the national under-17 squad, saying that full commitment was a precondition for selection.

In a statement on 27 August 2025, FAS said that all players and their families had been informed months earlier about the training requirements for the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

It added that “no exceptions will be made for any individual players”, emphasising fairness and team discipline.

Preparation for U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers

The controversy arises as Singapore prepares for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for November.

FAS said the national youth team’s preparation plan required total commitment, involving training camps in Bangkok, participation in the Lion City Cup, and two overseas camps in September and November.

Players were expected to train or compete five days per week as part of the build-up. The association stated that any absence could compromise the squad’s readiness for “elite-level competition at the Asian stage”.

Balancing exams and training commitments

According to FAS, a briefing was held in May for all shortlisted players based in Singapore. The September training camp was scheduled during school holidays to minimise conflict with exams.

The association acknowledged that several players were sitting for N- or O-level examinations later in the year. Players were informed that the training schedule would be “highly intense”, requiring discipline and sacrifice.

FAS said parents were encouraged to discuss with their children before committing, as those unable to fully participate would not be considered for selection. Study periods were incorporated into camp timetables, though no special concessions would be given for exams.

“The pathway to elite sports is not for everyone”

“The pathway to elite sports is not for everyone,” FAS said in its statement. “We have to prioritise the collective needs of the team instead of individuals.”

The association reaffirmed that its decisions are made “in the best interests of Singapore football” and that its approach remains consistent and transparent.

Mother questions fairness of decision

Public attention was drawn to the case after Mika’s mother, former actress Norfasarie Mohd Yahya, shared on Facebook that her son had been dropped for choosing to focus on his N-level exams.

In her 26 August post, she said Mika was asked to confirm by 24 August whether he would attend the September camp. His decision to remain in Singapore to study led to his removal from the squad and the return of his kit.

Norfasarie clarified that her son was not dismissed for poor performance or misconduct but for prioritising education, which she described as a “responsible choice”.

Allegations of double standards

The mother also questioned whether the FAS had applied its rules consistently. She alleged that some overseas-based players, including those training in Spain, had not been penalised for missing the same camp.

“This is not about one boy or one trip,” she wrote. “No teenager should ever feel cornered into saying ‘yes’ out of fear of being dropped.”

Her remarks have since gained traction on social media, prompting public discussion on the balance between education and sports.

Public debate on youth sports development

The issue has sparked extensive debate online, particularly on Reddit and other discussion forums.

Some users defended the FAS position, arguing that elite athletes must make personal sacrifices and that consistency is necessary to maintain professionalism in national programmes.

Others, however, criticised the decision as overly rigid, suggesting it could discourage young athletes from pursuing both academic and sporting excellence.

The incident has renewed broader questions about how Singapore can support student-athletes balancing high-level competition with education, especially in youth development pathways.