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Upcoming FAS elections give NFL clubs their day in the sun

SINGAPORE — Even before the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) conducts its first-ever election of office bearers on April 29, it is clear that the balance of power in the local footballing ecosystem has already shifted radically.

NFL clubs may get to enjoy a slew of new benefits in the upcoming season, including a title sponsorship for the league, training facilities for the clubs, and insurance coverage for players. PHOTO: FAS Facebook Page

NFL clubs may get to enjoy a slew of new benefits in the upcoming season, including a title sponsorship for the league, training facilities for the clubs, and insurance coverage for players. PHOTO: FAS Facebook Page

SINGAPORE — Even before the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) conducts its first-ever election of office bearers on April 29, it is clear that the balance of power in the local footballing ecosystem has already shifted radically.

After years of neglect which saw them struggling with issues such as a lack of resources, the National Football League (NFL) clubs are now enjoying their day in the sun, with the two teams contesting the elections, headed by FAS interim president Lim Kia Tong and Hougang United chairman Bill Ng respectively, placing huge emphasis on the interests of the amateur football competition.

The NFL clubs have emerged as an important constituency to woo because they make up 23 of the 44 FAS affiliates that will be eligible to vote in the upcoming polls. The rest are nine S.League clubs and 12 other affiliates. 

The influence of the NFL clubs is evident from the way Lim and Ng’s teams have approached the elections so far.

Lim has roped in at least three NFL club representatives - Darwin Jalil, Rizal Rasudin and Yakob Hashim - to compete under his banner as he aims for a clean sweep of all 15 available council seats.

Darwin (above, with R. Vengadasalam), who is the chairman of reigning NFL champions Eunos Crescent will be in Lim’s nine-man slate for key council positions. Rizal, the chairman of Admiralty CSC, and Yakob Hashim, the head coach of Yishun Sentek Mariners, will compete for the individual seats.

Lim has also recently unveiled several plans to spruce up the NFL. These include a title sponsorship, training facilities for the clubs, and providing insurance coverage for players.

Although Ng has yet to unveil his full team for the elections, it is likely to include Harman Ali and Md Zaki from NFL outfits GFA Sporting Westlake and Kaki Bukit Sports Club respectively.

Ng, a mergers and acquisitions specialist, had also previously expressed his intention to revamp the NFL if he is elected as FAS president, and help it to become a pipeline to the S.League.

“We will re-look into the NFL to ensure players are coming through the system to join our S.League and national teams,” said Ng. 

“For example, we should not impose any age limit to players, as football belongs to everyone... Funds need to be used in the right way, with the right focus.”

Former Woodlands Wellington manager R. Vengadasalam has hailed the increased focus on the NFL. The director of football at Eunos Crescent told TODAY: “It helps to raise the standards of NFL clubs, but of course, people like Kia Tong, if elected, need to deliver on the promises that they have made.”

Yakob, who had publicly criticised the FAS in the past for neglecting the NFL, said it is a positive move by Lim to include NFL representatives in the council.

“There are so many problems (in local football) that need to be tackled,” said the former national goalkeeper. “But we need voices from the ground to tell it like it is. 

“In the past, perhaps people in the FAS were not giving the higher-ups true feedback about what’s happening. 

“But NFL club representatives like myself are very involved on the ground. We know what the problems are, and we will voice them out and work together to take Singapore football forward.”

However, a NFL club official who declined to be named, couldn't help wondering about Lim’s sudden interest in the NFL. “Lim, as FAS vice-president previously, could have effected change in the NFL if he really wanted to,” he said. 

“To show interest in improving the NFL when the elections are coming…I feel like it’s all to get our votes.”

Former national footballer R. Sasikumar, who had previously contemplated participating in the elections but eventually decided against it, believes that the increasing focus on the NFL will ultimately benefit local football. 

“There’s now more onus on making sure the entire ecosystem works,” said the former national defender who runs sports marketing agency, Red Card Group.

“People are now realising the importance of grassroots football. It can only mean good things for Singapore football now that there there’s a consolidated and structured approach.

“But we have to ensure that NFL clubs don’t stay the way they are. It’s about empowering them to become semi-professional, and even eventually step up to become professional teams competing in the S.League.

“After all, we need more local teams in the S.League, and some NFL clubs are already showing some promise.

“Hopefully after this election, things will improve for the NFL and we won’t face the same problems as in the past.”

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