On December 6, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) asked parties interested in forming an SPL club next season to submit a comprehensive proposal aligned with Asian Football Confederation (AFC) club licenses and SPL regulations.
Interested parties can learn more on the FAS website. They will need to email their expression of interest to tenders@fas. org. sg by 6 p. m. on December 20th and then they will have 4 weeks to submit their detailed proposal for review.
The FAS wrote: “By expanding the league’s involvement, the aim is to elevate the value of professional football in Singapore by attracting football’s most sensitive skills and driving meaningful fan engagement. “
The Straits Times has learned that there are at least 3 interested parties, Tengah FC. Formed in 2017, he played in the Island Wide League (IWL) in 2023.
Though they lost 2-1 to Bedok South Avenue SC in the IWL final, both teams were promoted to the Singapore Football League 2, the third tier of local football, by virtue of finishing in the top two.
At the forefront of Tengah’s bid to sign for the SPL is former footballer Louis Amalorpavanathan, who was a striker for groups such as Jurong Town, Tyrwhitt Soccerites, Wellington FC and Safsa in the FAS Premier League and National Football League in the 1980s and early 1990s.
The 52-year-old told ST that he founded the club because he had been training with at-risk teenagers at the Teen Challenge rehabilitation centre on Old Choa Chu Kang Road and was looking to “empower other young people through sport”.
Refusing to go into detail until his proposal is accepted, the owner of security and research firm Acestes said he has a sustainable plan subsidized through local and foreign investors who he believes are like-minded in that they are more interested in moving up to Singapore. football with Tengah that profits.
He added that if Tengah’s application is successful, they will not take Tote Board subsidies which most senior local SPL clubs receive to the tune of around $1 million per season.
This is also one of FAS’ proposal criteria which required “a comprehensive budget and financial plan for the club’s operations for the first three seasons (2024/5 to 2026/7), including revenue streams such as ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandise, and other potential sources”.
Amalor said: “We are seriously considering joining the SPL. De our current squad of 27 players, we have six who have shown signs that they can turn professional. They also indicated that if we enter the SPL they will dedicate themselves and full-time players.
“We have plans and resources in place to build a strong team of players and staff the venues that will entertain fans and bring them back to fill the stadium. We’ve already noticed this with many enthusiasts coming to watch our IWL games in St. John’s. . John’s. Wilfrid and Jalan Kiss this year.
“Not only do we need to increase the number of smart players for the national team and contribute to the good fortune of the Lions on the overseas stage, but we also need to provide employment opportunities within the Western network where we are founded and bring fraternity closer together. more together.
“I think it is the right time for a new team to create new excitement, and Tengah FC can provide that.”
The 2023 SPL season, won by Albirex Niigata, had nine groups. It was made up of just 8 teams from 2020 to 2022 after Warriors FC was replaced by Tanjong Pagar United due to financial issues and Brunei DPMM withdrew due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition, the 2015 and 2019 DPMM champions were allowed to play in the new SPL season.
The doubts had arisen following the suspension and dismissal of Brunei Darussalam Football Association President Matusin Matasan and Secretary-General Shahnon Salleh through the country’s registrar of companies. An act that may have been interpreted by FIFA, world football’s governing body. body, such as government intervention, which could simply lead to a ban on football activities.
However, the AFC Competitions Committee has given the green light to DPMM to “participate in the 2024/2025 Singapore Premier League and Singapore Cup season, and the matter will be submitted to FIFA for final approval. ” “.
This shows that the upcoming season of the SPL, like the Malaysian Super League, will move from a spring-autumn season to an autumn-spring season.
It is understood that a cup festival could fill the void in the months leading up to the next SPL season, from May 2024 to May 2025, as part of an extended campaign. The next season is expected to run from August 2025 to May 2026. .
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free NPT app. Download now from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store