SINGAPORE: A Football Association of Singapore (FAS) coaching instructor is helping the Corrupt Practices Investigations Bureau (CPIB) in a probe over allegations that he sought kickbacks to pass candidates attending the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) 'C' certificate courses he conducted.
The man, whose identity is being withheld as investigations are on-going, allegedly approached them during the course and in private meetings for donations to help his sick grandchild.
It is believed he also illegally solicited money from candidates to invest in business deals he was involved in. "We are aware of this matter and will monitor the situation closely," said FAS senior head of game development Jita Singh.
Each AFC 'C' certificate course lasts a fortnight and candidates must pass two theory and two out of three practical tests conducted and assessed by an AFC 'A' certified coaching instructor and his assistant.
A certified coach, who declined to be named, said instructors are paid a daily allowance and are given independence in conducting courses.
"We do all the assessments ourselves, and I make it a point to discuss assessment issues with the coach assisting me on the course. But as there are little checks on us when we conduct the course, our integrity is important," he said.
He added the FAS should screen potential candidates for course instructors before sending them for certification.
Sources told TODAY that the coach helping the CPIB investigations has a history of asking colleagues for loans and not repaying them.
Other witnesses have also been interviewed by investigators.
When asked to comment, the CPIB issued a statement that they take a serious view of corrupt practices in Singapore, adding:
"We regret that we cannot confirm or deny whether any person or entity is or will be the subject of any criminal investigation by the bureau." - TODAY
The man, whose identity is being withheld as investigations are on-going, allegedly approached them during the course and in private meetings for donations to help his sick grandchild.
It is believed he also illegally solicited money from candidates to invest in business deals he was involved in. "We are aware of this matter and will monitor the situation closely," said FAS senior head of game development Jita Singh.
Each AFC 'C' certificate course lasts a fortnight and candidates must pass two theory and two out of three practical tests conducted and assessed by an AFC 'A' certified coaching instructor and his assistant.
A certified coach, who declined to be named, said instructors are paid a daily allowance and are given independence in conducting courses.
"We do all the assessments ourselves, and I make it a point to discuss assessment issues with the coach assisting me on the course. But as there are little checks on us when we conduct the course, our integrity is important," he said.
He added the FAS should screen potential candidates for course instructors before sending them for certification.
Sources told TODAY that the coach helping the CPIB investigations has a history of asking colleagues for loans and not repaying them.
Other witnesses have also been interviewed by investigators.
When asked to comment, the CPIB issued a statement that they take a serious view of corrupt practices in Singapore, adding:
"We regret that we cannot confirm or deny whether any person or entity is or will be the subject of any criminal investigation by the bureau." - TODAY
