SINGAPORE - The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) will hold a landmark election of office bearers by May 2017.

This, after a revised constitution was unanimously approved by all 38 members who turned up for the extraordinary general meeting (EOGM). Eight member affiliates did not turn up.

The move paves the way for the local football fraternity to elect their own leaders for the first time in over 30 years. Previously, the committee was appointed by the government, most recently the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

FAS vice-president Lim Kia Tong, who was tasked with drafting the new constitution and meeting affiliates to gather their feedback, said: "The most satisfying effect of the hard work is the (unanimous) vote this evening.

"It is very cogent, very visible and demonstrates that the football fraternity out there have found (the amendments) very palatable to them and are of the view that this constitution is a good one, something that will help football move forward."

He was flanked by fellow VP Edwin Tong, FAS president Zainudin Nordin, general secretary Winston Lee and Balestier Khalsa chairman S. Thavaneson.

Key changes to the constitution, as announced earlier, include the requirement of a team of nine to contest the election. For the first time, it is also mandated that the council must have at least one female member.

Individual candidates can contest the remaining six council member positions, bringing the FAS council size to 15, down from the current 26.

Lim, who is also deputy chairman of Fifa's disciplinary committee, added the team will strive to hold the election as soon as possible.

In the meantime, a provisional council will be announced in the next week to run the FAS, as the current council's term expires on Nov 15. The current council will meet the MCCY to decide the way forward.

Asked if he will run for the election, Lim said: "I hope to be able to form a team.. and carry out the management of Singapore football from a very different dimension."