Brunei DPMM to exit Singapore Premier League after 2024-25 season
SINGAPORE - After a month of uncertainty and speculation, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) confirmed on May 22 that Brunei DPMM will not participate in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) after the 2024-25 season.
The decision comes after discussions between the FAS and DPMM, with the Brunei-based club indicating that intent to compete in other leagues.
FAS general secretary Chew Chun-Liang. said in a statement: 'DPMM has been a respected member of the SPL and a valued partner in the development of regional football. Their staff and players have consistently displayed an exemplary sporting spirit, and the club's impact on Singapore football will be long remembered. We wish them the very best in their future endeavours.
'While we are sad to see them go, we understand the club's position and we part ways with our full support and appreciation.
'The SPL remains committed to growing the game in Singapore and supporting our participating clubs. Our league continues to be a key platform for nurturing local talent, fostering competitive play, and engaging our local football community. Fans can continue to expect exciting SPL matches and opportunities to support their teams in the coming seasons.'
On April 21, The Straits Times reported that DPMM's participation in next season's SPL was in doubt as the club had expressed their interest to return to the Malaysia Super League (MSL) and were eyeing Geylang International striker Tomoyuki Doi.
DPMM coach Jamie McAllister said then that the move was 'not confirmed yet', but the club said in a post on their website that talks for a return to the Malaysian competition were looking 'positive'.
DPMM had taken part in the second-tier Malaysia Premier League in 2005-06 and gained promotion to the top-tier MSL, where they finished third and 10th in the following seasons.
They joined the SPL when it was known as the S.League in 2009 and won the League Cup.
However, they were removed from the league after Fifa imposed a global ban on the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam following government interference in its affairs. They rejoined the S.League in 2012, winning it in 2015 and 2019.
They did not defend their title in 2020 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and travel restrictions in their country. After sitting out the 2021 and 2022 seasons, they returned for the 2023 campaign, finishing seventh in the nine-team competition.
Currently sixth in the SPL standings, DPMM will play their final league match against Hougang United on May 24. Three days later, they will meet Lion City Sailors in the second leg of the Singapore Cup semi-final, after losing 3-2 in the first leg on May 21.
DPMM general manager Mohamad Ali Haji Momin said in a statement: 'Over the years, we have been privileged to be part of a league that upholds the highest standards of professionalism, competition, and sportsmanship. More than just football, our time in the SPL has given us the invaluable gift of camaraderie, shared experiences, and lasting friendships.
'The warmth, hospitality, and unwavering support extended to us by FAS and the Singapore football community have made our participation deeply meaningful, and for this, we are truly grateful.'
With DPMM's exit, the SPL will be left with only eight teams.
But ST previously reported that there could be a replacement for the 2025-26 season, with the possible inclusion of Tengah FC.
Melvyn Teoh is a sports journalist at The Straits Times.
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