‘Disgusted and disheartened’: Hougang United fans disappointed after club sanctioned for fielding ineligible foreign player

Hougang United fans criticise club for ‘lack of professionalism’ after team receives sanctions for fielding ineligble foreign player

Hougang United fans have voiced their criticism towards the club’s higher management, after the team received sanctions from the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) for fielding new signing Gloire Amanda prior to the completion of his work pass status.

The 27-year-old plied his trade in Canada, the United States, Austria, and, most recently, Sydney Olympic FC in Australia.

Amanda recently moved to Hougang United in January.

FAS releases statement, shares review and findings

In a joint statement on 3 March, FAS and the Singapore Premier League (SPL) confirmed that an internal review was conducted regarding allegations that Amanda had participated in a total of three SPL and SPL 2 fixtures before the completion of required regulatory clearances.

It was determined that the Tanzania-born Amanda had not obtained his work permit prior to participating in the aforementioned fixtures.

While the club “had submitted a work pass application, the work pass had neither received formal approval nor been physically issued at the time the player participated in those matches”, the statement added.

His participation was thus deemed ineligible, leading to the overturning of results in all matches Amanda was involved in. This is in accordance with Article 23.3 of the SPL’s 2025/26 regulations.

FAS announced that the scorelines of the affected games will either remain as recorded or be adjusted to 3–0, whichever reflects a greater margin.

Hougang United have also been fined in relation to the incident. However, the amount was not disclosed in FAS’ statement.

Hougang admits mistake, claims ‘administrative error’

FAS also announced in its statement that “enhanced verification and compliance protocols governing the registration of foreign players will be implemented” with immediate effect.

They also said that disciplinary measures will be taken against FAS staff and management involved in the registration process, as they should have detected the mistake.

“FAS acknowledges the seriousness of this matter and remains firmly committed to transparency, regulatory consistency, and safeguarding the integrity and professionalism of its competitions,” FAS said.

Meanwhile, Hougang released a separate press statement on 3 March, apologising to the FAS, affected clubs, supporters, partners and stakeholders.

In the statement, Hougang United says it “acknowledges the decision issued by the FAS following its review”.

Attributing the error to an “administrative timing issue relating to documentation clearance”, the club claimed that there was “no intent to circumvent regulations”.

Additionally, Hougang United mentioned that they have since strengthened internal compliance procedures.

According to The Straits Times, the club has confirmed that Amanda’s work pass application was rejected by MOM.

However, he remains under contract with the team until the end of the season.

Fans react harshly, demand accountability

Hougang United’s fan club, the Hougang HOOLs, publicly expressed their disappointment with the club in a Facebook post on 3 March.

“It is deeply disappointing to witness our football club fielding an ineligible player”, the statement read.

Such an oversight reflects a serious lack of professionalism and damages the integrity of the team we support so passionately.

The fan club also pointed out that the situation was “concerning”, given the club chairman’s position as FAS vice president.

“With such a position comes a greater responsibility to uphold transparency, credibility, and the highest standards of compliance”, they said.

The HOOLs added that supporters were “disgusted and disheartened” by the incident.

They demanded clarity, accountability, and assurance that similar incidents would not occur again.

Netizens and fans mostly agreed, with some calling the mistake “unacceptable”.

Others pointed out that the mistake had “wasted” the players’ efforts.

Serious view towards illegal employment

In response to queries from MS News, a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) spokesperson said that they are investigating the case involving Mr Amanda for working without a valid work pass.

All foreigners, including professional athletes, must possess valid work passes before they can commence work in Singapore, the spokesperson reiterated.

MOM takes a serious view of illegal employment, and work pass holders found to be engaged in illegal employment may face a fine of up to S$20,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both, said MOM.

They may also be debarred from working in Singapore.

MOM also highlighted that employers who employ any foreigner without a valid work pass may face a fine of up to S$30,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.

They may also be suspended from applying for work passes.

MS News has reached out to Hougang United for comments.

Also read: 2 referees withdrawn from SPL after failing to issue red card during Tampines Rovers vs Lion City Sailors match

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Featured image adapted from Hougang United on Facebook, and Hougang HOOLs on Facebook