Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president Forrest Li has announced a massive S$2 million (RM6.3 million) reward for the Singapore men’s national football team, after their historic qualification for the AFC Asian Cup — a milestone achieved on merit for the first time in the nation’s sporting history.
Singapore went behind early to a Matt Orr goal, but maintained composure. Goals from Shawal Anuar and Ilhan Fandi within four minutes turned the match on its head and sealed Singapore’s place at the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, with a match to spare.
The Lions’ last Asian Cup appearance was in 1984, when they qualified automatically as hosts.
Li made the announcement immediately after the Lions’ dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Hong Kong on Tuesday, declaring the team “fully deserving” of the landmark reward.
“Our entire team well-deserved it,” said Li.
“If you’re a good footballer, you make the contribution to the country, bring pride and joy to all Singaporeans — you deserve to be rewarded.”
The financial bonus, one of the largest ever given to a Singapore sports team, signals strong support from the FAS leadership and a renewed ambition to revive Singapore football’s competitive presence on the continental stage.
Fresh from their historic achievement, the Lions returned home on Wednesday to a roaring reception from over 100 fans dressed in red at Changi Airport Terminal 2. Captain Hariss Harun led the team through the arrival gates alongside Li, greeted by supporters cheering, waving flags and singing
Interim head coach Gavin Lee — appointed after the departure of Tsutomu Ogura — drew praise for guiding the team to its biggest success in decades.
Lee said there was “no secret sauce” behind the team’s rise.
“It’s about everyone pulling in the same direction,” he said, “The players made the sacrifices and showed their qualities.”
Fans have called for him to be appointed permanently, insisting that “a local coach can be just as good as anyone else.”
Source : CNA
Credit Photo : FAS
