We have earned the right to host Asian Champions League Two final: Lion City Sailors

SINGAPORE – The Lion City Sailors have called on the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to keep the Asian Champions League Two (ACL2) final in Singapore, as discussions continue over the venue for the club’s May 18 showdown against Sharjah FC.

This follows concerns raised by the Emirati club regarding the

suitability of Jalan Besar Stadium,

citing the venue’s artificial turf and 6,000-seat capacity as key issues.

A statement issued by the Sailors on April 19 said: “We want to state our position clearly: This final must be played in Singapore.

“This is our home, and as the club that has earned the right to host the final, we believe it is only fair and proper that it takes place on Singaporean soil.”

In accordance with competition regulations, the ACL2 final is contested by the top teams from the East and West regions, with the venue alternating yearly. For the 2024-25 edition, the host team will come from the East region.

A meeting between AFC officials and representatives from the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) to discuss the venue for the showpiece was held earlier this week.

While Jalan Besar remains a possible venue, Bishan Stadium, which can also hold approximately 6,000, is being seriously looked at as an alternative location due to its natural grass pitch.

But the 55,000-seater National Stadium will be unavailable, as the first of Lady Gaga’s four concerts will take place there on the day of the final.

In their statement, the Sailors said they are working closely with AFC, Sport Singapore and FAS on the venue arrangements for the ACL2 final.

They added that Jalan Besar has been a certified ACL2 venue that has met the AFC’s regulations and requirements throughout the competition, hosting all six of their home matches in this tournament.

“It has a proud history of staging major football matches and has more than proven itself as a capable and reliable venue,” added the statement.

Sailors fan Eddy Hirono believes that the match should be held in Singapore as the rules designate the East Asian finalist as the host, arguing that stadium size or surface type should not be disqualifying factors.

Pointing to the Europa League semi-finals, in which Tottenham Hotspur will play the second leg at Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt’s Aspmyra Stadion – an 8,270-seater arena with artificial turf – Hirono feels the concerns raised by Sharjah do not “necessitate a switch of venue”.

He also questioned the credibility of Sharjah’s objections.

The 37-year-old said: “It is simply the actions of a football team trying to gain any and every advantage they can.

“They are aware of the Sailors’ home record (W4 D1 L1 in ACL2) at Jalan Besar Stadium and have tried to engineer an excuse for the match to be played elsewhere.

“I am sceptical about their so-called reasons stated in their open letter because if there were rules and regulations that meant Jalan Besar Stadium was disqualified from hosting the final, then I am sure they would have included the reasons in their request.

“Instead, they merely said it is not befitting of a final.”

The upcoming final marks a significant milestone for both teams, who are making their maiden appearance at this stage of the Asian tournament.

The Sailors made history on April 16 by becoming the first Singaporean football club to reach the final of a continental tournament, edging out Sydney FC 2-1 on aggregate.

The Singapore Premier League leaders, who shocked the A-League side with a 2-0 win in the first leg at Jalan Besar Stadium on April 9, advanced despite a 1-0 loss in the away fixture.

Sharjah secured their place in the final with a comeback win over Saudi Arabia’s Al-Taawoun. After a 1-0 defeat in the first leg, the United Arab Emirates club responded with a 2-0 victory on April 15, sealing a 2-1 aggregate triumph.

In the club statement, the Sailors emphasised that hosting the match “can serve as a much-needed catalyst to uplift the local football scene and reignite national pride in the sport”.

They added: “We are grateful for the strong backing of Sport Singapore and FAS, who have shown clear intent and commitment to bringing this final to life here in Singapore.

“Together, we have a shared ambition to showcase our nation’s ability to stage world-class football events.

“We are excited about the significance of this final – not just for our club, but for Singapore football.

“We are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to deliver a memorable and professionally run final that reflects the passion and potential of our football community.”