Fulham FC youngster faces three years in Jail in Singapore
Benjamin Davis is the first soccer player from the Asian country to have signed a professional contract with a team from the English Premier League.
Ben Davis, an 18-year-old player from Singapore, signed a two-year contract with Fulham FC of the Premier League, is facing charges that carry up to three years in jail.
Davis has missed his compulsory military service, that as the city-state's defense ministry said through their website page carries a three- year jail sentence or a fine up to $10,000 if convicted.
"Mr. Benjamin Davis is a National Service defaulter. He failed to report for NS as required. He is also staying overseas without a valid Exit Permit."
Ben Davis is Singapore's first soccer player to sign with the English Premier League, the Football Association of Singapore who initially supported Davis’ application for deferment now have expressed otherwise.
"The FAS is hugely disappointed with Mr. Benjamin Davis’ default of his NS obligations. It is thoroughly irresponsible on the part of Mr. Davis and also reneges on his assurance to the FAS that Mr. Davis would discharge his NS commitments and play for the Singapore national team."
All men over 18 must serve in the armed forces, police or civil defense force for two years, and Singapore refused to allow the young midfielder to defer his national service.