BG Tampines Rovers and its head coach Katsuhito Kinoshi are both currently facing a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) probe.
On 10 April, the Straits Times reported that a MOM spokesperson confirmed that it was investigating the case involving Kinoshi for “allegedly working without a valid work pass”.
The spokesperson added, “All foreigners must possess valid work passes before they can commence work in Singapore.
“MOM takes a serious view of illegal employment.”
Evidence of Kinoshi’s presence in the field of play even though his name was not on the team sheet in the match against Tanjong Pagar was queried by TMSGOAL on 17 March.
Work pass holders who are found to be engaging in any kind of illegal employment may face a fine of up to $20,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
They may also be banned from working in Singapore in future.
The club is also facing possible sanctions if found guilty.
Employers who employ any foreigner without a valid work pass may face a fine of up to $30,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
Worse, they may also be suspended from applying for work passes which could mean not having foreign players in future, if found guilty.
The MOM probe comes soon after both Tampines and Tanjong Pagar were both fined by the Football Association of Singapore after Kinoshi entered the official playing area without being registered, with Kinoshi being referred to as an “unauthorised individual”.
MAIN PHOTO: TMSGOAL READER