Contributed by Eric Ong

Singapore, Friday, October 2, 2009 – FIFA has officially written to FAS to confirm that they have indeed suspended the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (BAFA) with immediate effect which means that DPMM FC, an affiliate of BAFA, are no longer permitted to play in the S.League or in any organised football competition or matches.

In their reply, FIFA referred to article 14, paragraph 3 of the FIFA statutes which states that Members (of FIFA) may not entertain sporting contact with a suspended Member.

Earlier this year, FIFA confirmed its approval in writing for DPMM FC to participate in the 2009 S.League season. FIFA had also informed FAS that should DPMM FC wish to continue to participate in the S.League after 2009, a fresh application would be required.

The FAS has already filed its appeal to FIFA notwithstanding the suspension imposed on BAFA, to seek FIFA's urgent approval to permit DPMM FC to complete their remaining five S.League matches this season, in the spirit of fair play.

While the FAS awaits FIFA's response to this appeal, it has postponed Brunei DPMM FC's upcoming S.League match against Sengkang Punggol which was scheduled to be played in Brunei Darussalam on Tuesday 6 October to a date to be fixed.