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Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has praised the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) for their commitment to advancing the Lion City’s football landscape through forward-looking strategies and an innovative approach.
Shaikh Salman concluded a highly successful visit to Singapore on Thursday, which was marked by strategic meetings and bilateral engagements with FAS President Bernard Tan, the FAS Council, as well as Singapore’s Minister of Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, Edwin Tong.
The AFC President was impressed with the robust support received by the sport through projects such as the Unleash the Roar! Initiative – a multi-stakeholder project involving the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Ministry of Education, Sport Singapore and the FAS – and highlighted the pivotal role of government backing.
“Mr. Edwin Tong is an ardent follower of the beautiful game, and I thank him for his Ministry’s dedication towards the development of Singapore football,” said Shaikh Salman.
“With government support, we can ensure the availability of good infrastructure, foster youth development through grassroots initiatives, bolster Singapore’s international competitiveness, and engage with communities to promote unity and passion for the beautiful game.”
Shaikh Salman also noted that the outlook for football in Singapore has never been more promising and his discussions with the FAS President and Council centred around exploring avenues for further enhancement, including the support provided by the AFC through tailormade programmes and funding.
“The FAS is known for its commitment to nurturing emerging talents through its island-wide developmental leagues, and their commitment to gender equality in sports shines through their women’s league,” said Shaikh Salman, reflecting on the Confederation and FAS’ shared goal of fostering excellence and innovation within the sport.
“The AFC stands ready to offer its assistance and expertise to the FAS to create an exciting era for Singaporean football.”
A highlight of the AFC President’s visit was a tour of the Kallang Football Hub, where he observed training sessions of various national teams, including the women’s national team and National Development Centre age-group teams. With facilities like sheltered and outdoor pitches, and a football-centric gym overseen by sport scientists, he commended the hub’s crucial role in nurturing the next generation of Singapore footballers.
Looking ahead, the AFC President extended his best wishes for the upcoming Singapore Premier League season, which has seen remarkable growth in viewership since the relaxation of pandemic-related constraints, showcasing the nation’s passion for football.
Meanwhile, the FAS President conveyed his heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Shaikh Salman, acknowledging the dedicated efforts of the AFC in promoting and supporting Asian football at every level, including an unwavering commitment towards Singaporean football.
