Gavin Lee Says Irfan Fandi Can Still Return to Singapore’s Squad

Singapore coach Gavin Lee has stressed that team standards remain central to his selection decisions after being asked about defender Irfan Fandi’s continued absence from the national squad. Lee did not give a specific reason for leaving Fandi out, but said his focus was choosing the strongest group available for each international window. Fandi, 29, was previously omitted from Singapore’s squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 and was also absent from the 24-man group announced on Nov. 4 for the team’s November friendlies. Speaking to The Straits Times on Nov. 11, Lee said that missing a call-up did not rule out a future return. “The door is never fully closed,” he said. Lee was also asked whether Fandi’s omission was intended to send a message to the rest of the team. He did not directly address the question, instead saying that standards come first in every team and organisation. Representing Singapore, he added, means players must put the team’s interests ahead of their own. The discussion follows an online report published by The Monitor in September alleging that Fandi had broken a hotel curfew during the 2026 ASEAN Championship. Lee did not confirm the claim or link it directly to the selection decision. The Football Association of Singapore told The Straits Times it would not comment on the allegation, citing its policy of not responding to unverified claims and speculation. Fandi also declined to comment when approached by The Straits Times, while a spokesperson for the Fandi family had earlier declined to respond to Mothership’s questions. The reported curfew claim therefore remains unverified, and Lee’s public remarks focused on selection standards and the possibility that omitted players could earn another opportunity.