FAS set for revamp, if Team LKT wins

SINGAPORE — The way the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) is run, and the way it governs the sport in Singapore will come under review if Team LKT wins the FAS elections. This was the promise made by the team at its press conference last night.

“We want to change the way the game is played, administered and financed. We want to change the way the entire football community is engaged,” said its manifesto.

“An entire review needs to be done,” said Bernard Tan, who is the team’s choice for deputy president if it enters into power on April 29.

“Many people in the team feel that the FAS lacks the structures to bring it to the modern game.”

In its manifesto on governance, administration and communication, Team LKT said it will review the FAS’ structure and organisation, and will “put in place measures to drive towards a high performance-oriented organisation”.

It will also set up a system of support for member clubs for better governance, and will work with public and private partners to develop a healthy football ecosystem, and raise commercial revenue and interest in the game.

“(The FAS also needs to) enhance the way we engage the whole community in its communication, including the press,” declared Team LKT’s manifesto.

For example, Tan said the FAS needs to dramatically improve the way it engages its sponsors in order to get their continued support.

“We need partner engagement liaison officers to look after the sponsors, to show them the value of the marketing dollars they have put into the sport,” said the 50-year-old chief marketing officer of ST Engineering.

“We need to show the appreciation for the level of support that has been given, and give them feedback on the level of exposure their brands have been given. This is all about getting commercial dollars into the game.”

Tan added that the FAS also needs to beef up its sports science capabilities. “Sports science and technology are important elements of the modern game,” he said. “Does the FAS even have a structure devoted to having expertise in this?”

Finally, Tan said the FAS needs to improve in the way it communicates with the public, and the media.

“I am going to be honest — the FAS can do a lot better in this,” he said.

“We shouldn’t be sending out press releases late in the night or clearing statements to be sent to the media at 11pm. And we will devote our attention to ensuring this.” GERARD WONG