Forum: Why continual enhancements are important for Singapore football
We thank Mr Henry Choong Kun Lin for sharing his thoughts on changes to the Singapore Premier League (SPL) and SPL2 (
New plans by FAS welcome, but more thought needed to improve league , July 7). It is heartening to see Singaporeans so invested in our football, and we appreciate his feedback.
We would like to clarify the intentions behind two key enhancements: the foreign player quota increase and the introduction of the SPL2 reserve league.
The SPL is the national team's key source of players. Improving the competition and daily training environment is a priority – and foreign players can help this. Even established football nations with significantly more local talent have a high percentage of foreign players in domestic leagues.
Our players must have the determination to fight for their position daily – that process will help mould them into the type of footballers who will better serve our national cause.
The SPL2 widens the funnel of talent into the SPL and national age-group squads, and provides opportunities to spot potential national players among those who do not feature regularly in SPL matches.
The SPL2 has regulations that will see at least six Singaporeans – including four under-23 players – on the field at all times.
Unlike its predecessor, the U21-league, the SPL2 has no age restrictions on local or foreign players, creating a more competitive and realistic match environment.
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This ensures that younger players are exposed to the kind of intensity needed to make the jump to top-tier football. Thus, SPL2 not only preserves development opportunities, but also strengthens them.
We acknowledge concerns around frequent format changes. As Singapore football is very much in a developmental phase, it is necessary to implement changes, observe, and continually make enhancements.
Moreover, as Asian football standards are constantly improving with regular tweaks to development and recruitment systems, we must ensure that our system is agile.
The Football Association of Singapore will study the writer's promotion-relegation idea in the future. With more teams and leagues, we need to be mindful of resource and quality dilution.
Singapore football's progress will always be built on shared aspirations among players, coaches, clubs, administrators and fans. We thank the writer for his support and passion, and look forward to an exciting and competitive SPL season ahead.
Chew Chun-Liang
General Secretary
Football Association of Singapore
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