The first Singaporean footballer to sign a professional contract with an English Premier League club has been denied the chance to defer mandatory military service, reports BBC Sport.

Benjamin Davis, 17, who has a two-year deal with Fulham, had applied to defer from national service (NS).

Authorities said that he did not "meet the criteria for deferment".

But Davis's father said it was "unrealistic" that he would be expected to take two years out of football.

All Singaporean men over 18 have to serve in either the armed forces, the police or the civil defence force for two years as part of their NS requirements. Benjamin turns 18 this November.

"As all male Singaporeans liable for full-time NS put aside personal pursuits to dutifully enlist... it would not be fair to approve applications for deferment for individuals to pursue their own careers and development," said the Ministry of Defence in a statement.

"In sports, deferments are granted only to those who represent Singapore in international competitions like the Olympic Games and are potential medal winners for Singapore."