SINGAPORE – Amidst a backdrop of controversy, Ben Davis, a national service (NS) defaulter, has been summoned to join the Thailand football team for the highly anticipated Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

This decision poses a challenge not only between the footballers on the pitch but also between the athlete and Singaporean authorities.

Announcement of the Squad

On November 27, Thailand’s football federation announced their 26-man squad for the tournament running from December 8 to January 5, highlighting Davis's inclusion as a significant point of interest for Singaporean fans.

The two teams are slated to meet at the National Stadium on December 17 in what promises to be an electrifying match.

Legal Challenges for Davis

Davis, whose failure to report for national service has drawn scrutiny, was flagged by Singapore's Ministry of Defence as a defaulter back in February 2019, after remaining overseas without a valid exit permit.

The consequences for violating the Enlistment Act can be severe, with penalties reaching up to three years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

Uncertain Participation

Davis's participation in the tournament, considering his legal standing, is still uncertain.

While teams are permitted to register up to 26 players, they can only select 23 for match day, which adds to the tension surrounding his potential appearance in Singapore.

Background of Ben Davis

Born in Phuket to a Thai mother and an English father, Ben Davis's journey began when he moved to Singapore at the age of five and subsequently gained citizenship.

He represented Singapore up to the Under-19 level and was invited to join the senior Lions squad in 2018, although he did not make an appearance.

Career Highlights and Controversies

In a groundbreaking move for his career, he became the first Singaporean to sign with an English Premier League club, Fulham, but had his request to defer NS denied.

Despite appeals, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen outlined several reasons for the denial, including Davis's status as an English national in Fulham’s records, his father's unwillingness to confirm a return date for service, and indications that the family was willing to consider renouncing Davis's citizenship.

Switching Allegiances

After making headlines with his default, he debuted for Fulham as a substitute, eventually switching his international allegiance to Thailand in late 2019.

His reasoning? A bright outlook for Thai football and unwavering support from his family.

Achievements with Thailand

Davis has since made his mark at various levels for Thailand, scoring in the SEA Games and earning his first senior cap in the King’s Cup.

His club journey has seen him move from Fulham to Oxford United, and onto loan spells with Port FC and Chonburi, before joining Uthai Thani in 2024 where he's enjoying a breakthrough season with two goals and two assists in 14 games.

Off the Pitch

Off the pitch, Ben Davis is also carving out a niche in endorsements, collaborating with brands like Garnier, and utilizing his 97,000 Instagram followers for charitable efforts such as raising funds for flood victims.

Looking Ahead to the Asean Cup

With the Asean Cup approaching and uncertainty hanging over his head, all eyes will be on Ben Davis as fans and officials alike speculate about his potential return to Singapore, not just as a player but as a figure of national debate.

Is this match scheduled for December 17 a simple football game, or the stage for deeper implications surrounding national service and allegiance? The world will soon find out!