FAS relaunches search for new Singapore Premier League teams

SINGAPORE – The search for teams to expand the nine-club Singapore Premier League (SPL) goes on as the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) invited interested parties to submit a comprehensive proposal aligned with the Asian Football Confederation’s and SPL’s club licensing regulations.

On Feb 5, the FAS said in a media statement that it has relaunched the exercise for the 2025-26 season after it “continued to receive indications of interest following the closure of the previous exercise”.

It said: “The FAS has made clear its desire to expand the league beyond its present number, and in particular, to include private and commercially driven football clubs.

“This increase will make for a more exciting SPL and provide greater avenues for Singaporean footballers to play the game at the highest level in Singapore.”

Proposals should include an overview of the club, its ownership and management, training facilities, financial plan, player recruitment, including women’s football and youth development strategies, coaching and technical structure for its first, women and youth squads, as well as community and fan engagement plans.

Clubs must also demonstrate their commitment to the league’s long-term growth and success.

Proposals will be evaluated on key factors such as club history, team structure, facilities, financial stability, and commitment to both league and community engagement.

As interested clubs will not be entitled to any financial support, they must show proof of financial viability to sustain the club’s operating expenses for at least the initial year of participation.

Those who wish to be considered may view the RFP details at

fas.org.sg/about-fas/tenders/

and must submit their expression of interest electronically to

tenders@fas.org.sg

by 6pm on March 14.

In 2023, the FAS had also invited interested teams to apply. Then Island Wide League side and 2024 Singapore Football League 2 champions Tengah FC were initially given in-principle approval to participate in the 2024-25 campaign

but eventually withdrew.

Tengah chairman Louis Amalorpavanathan declined to comment about the current exercise, but told The Straits Times then: “The process... took longer than expected. It’s been a while since a new club were admitted into the SPL so I think both us and the FAS learnt a lot from the exercise.

“But rather than rush to kick off only a month away, we felt it would be the more responsible thing to do to compete in 2025-26.”