Football: Foreign Sports Talent scheme remains a relevant option for Lions, says FAS
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Egmar Goncalves was the Lions' first import player in 2002.
PHOTO: THE NEW PAPER
SINGAPORE - It is almost 20 years since Brazil-born striker Egmar Goncalves became the Lions' first import player in 2002, and a decade has passed since Chinese forward Qiu Li became the last of nine players the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) adopted under the Foreign Sports Talent (FST) scheme.
But South Korean midfielder Song Ui-young's successful permanent residency application - supported by Sport Singapore and FAS - and his stated desire to become a Lion have raised the prospect of the dormant programme being revived as the Republic aims to qualify for World Cup 2034.