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Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Ex-Lions coach Tsutomu Ogura joins Japan Football Association's technical committee
Find out what's new on ST website and app. On June 24, the Football Association of Singapore said that Ogura had resigned with immediate effect. SINGAPORE – Former Singapore national coach Tsutomu Ogura has joined the Japan Football Association (JFA) as the vice-chairman of its technical committee, it was announced on July 17. Japanese newspaper Sports Hochi said that the decision was made after a JFA board meeting in Tokyo. The JFA announced that Ogura and Hiroaki Takeuchi, the head of training quarters at J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale, have been appointed as new members of the technical committee, with Ogura serving as the vice-chairman. Explaining the move, JFA's technical director Masanaga Kageyama said: 'Mr Ogura has experience as a coach for the Japan national team, and has a diverse background in the training department and sports management at the club. He also served as the head coach of the Singapore national team, has been active internationally, and has a wide network. 'We expect him to play an active role in how to realise and execute the international strategy that has been lacking in the JFA until now.' The JFA technical committee was put in place in 2020 to help strengthen the Japan national team, develop youth players and train coaches. On June 24, the Football Association of Singapore said that Ogura, who was appointed in February 2024 on a two-year contract, had resigned with immediate effect, citing personal reasons. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 30% of aviation jobs could be redesigned due to AI, automation; $200m fund to support workers: CAAS Singapore HSA looking to get anti-vape cyber surveillance tool with AI capabilities Singapore Alleged Kpod peddler filmed trying to flee raid in Bishan charged with 6 offences Singapore NTU upholds zero grade for student who used AI in essay; panel found 14 false citations or data Singapore Jail for contraband cigarette syndicate member over conspiracy to give bribes to security officer Singapore Residents in South West District get help to improve employability, find career opportunities Life Kinokuniya opens third bookstore at Raffles City, weeks ahead of schedule Business DBS shares rally to a new record as STI clocks yet another high While he declined to go into details publicly, Ogura told The Straits Times in an exclusive interview that he has a family issue to attend to, and it had reached a stage where he has to return home. The FAS is currently on the hunt for its fourth national coach in six years after Ogura's decision to step down. While the search for a new coach is in underway, former BG Tampines Rovers coach Gavin Lee, who was also national assistant coach to Ogura, has been installed as interim coach. Ogura, who holds an Asian Football Confederation professional diploma, the highest level of coaching accreditation issued by the continent's governing body, is a respected voice in Japanese football and has held roles in various levels of the Japan national team from 2006 to 2012. In 2010, Ogura was part of the coaching staff for Japan's World Cup campaign in South Africa, where they reached the round of 16. He also served as an assistant coach in Japan's Olympic national team from 2010 to 2012, before moving to club football with stints at Tokyo Verdy, Omiya Ardija, Ventforet Kofu, JEF United Chiba and Yokohama F. Marinos. As the sporting director of the Marinos, Ogura oversaw the club's first J1League title in 15 years in 2019.
Online Citizen
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Online Citizen
Concerns grow over rise in foreign player quota in Singapore Premier League
On 2 July 2025, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced a set of sweeping changes to the Singapore Premier League (SPL), including an increase in the foreign player quota from six to seven per match. This marks the highest number of foreign players allowed in the league since its inception in 1996. The move is part of FAS's broader strategy to enhance the SPL's competitiveness and attract more spectators and investment. The changes will take effect from the new season beginning on 16 August. Increased incentives and new league structures introduced In addition to the player quota, the FAS announced the total prize money for the league will more than double, rising to S$600,000. A new reserve league, SPL2, will also be introduced with the aim of nurturing young footballers. The SPL will now consist of eight teams, following Brunei DPMM FC's withdrawal from the league in May. While these reforms are positioned as steps to revitalise local football, the decision to raise the foreign player quota has sparked considerable debate among football fans, former professionals, and local stakeholders. Public and expert reactions reflect concern over local talent Many netizens and commentators voiced concern that the rise in foreign players may come at the expense of local talent, reducing meaningful game time and stifling youth development. One Facebook user and entrepreneur questioned whether the move truly addressed the root causes of the domestic talent shortage, asking, 'Will this be enough to sustain professional football in Singapore?' A widely held view expressed in comments on The Straits Times and CNA platforms was that football development in Singapore requires a more fundamental overhaul. Commenters stressed the importance of first bringing fans back to the stadiums through entertaining football, followed by ensuring long-term financial stability for clubs, and only then focusing on youth development. One commentator wrote, 'You need top talent in football management here. The was plagued by unqualified incompetents running it for too long.' Mixed views on foreign players' benefits Some users defended the foreign player increase, suggesting it could raise the standard of competition and benefit local players through exposure to higher-quality opposition. Others felt it could simulate an 'overseas stint' experience without players having to leave Singapore. However, these arguments were met with scepticism. One user pointed out that the impact depends on the quality of foreign players brought in, advocating for talent from second- or third-tier European leagues. He criticised the semi-professional nature of local clubs, noting that unlike European teams which train full-time and play several times a week, SPL players often balance football with full-time jobs. He argued for exemptions from National Service (NS) for promising players, allowing them to fully commit to a professional football career. Suggestions for community-focused alternatives Beyond criticism, some proposed alternative approaches. One idea was to use the additional funds not to import more foreign players but to organise community-based competitions such as a Majulah Cup or Merlion Cup. These could be aimed at local clubs, age-group teams, and community organisations to scout and develop young talents in a more inclusive and grassroots-driven manner. Adjustments such as shorter match formats—60 or 30 minutes—were also suggested to encourage broader participation. Former players and coaches warn of long-term damage In response to CNA's queries, former professional footballer and coach Shasi Kumar expressed concern that the increased quota could demoralise young players. He questioned whether parents would still encourage their children to pursue football, given shrinking opportunities for locals in the professional scene. He also cited a growing gap between under-21 teams and the senior level, noting that many youth players 'fall by the wayside.' He called for clearer, more inspiring messaging for young athletes in national programmes like the National Development Centre and Unleash the Roar. Instead of expanding foreign slots, he suggested reducing them to four. Richard Harcus, formerly with Balestier Khalsa, highlighted that foreign players often occupy pivotal roles such as striker and central defender. This, he warned, could limit local players' growth in those positions and ultimately undermine national team development. Rhysh Roshan Rai, a former player and football commentator, emphasised that the quality of playing time matters. He noted that younger players risk missing out on critical match experience that helps them grow and gain confidence.
Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Not easy to buy online tickets for football matches
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The Football Association of Singapore is using Ticketek, a company based in Sydney, Australia, for selling tickets to football events in Singapore. I am 68 and am finding it very difficult to secure tickets, as the process seems rather complicated. The password field, even when filled with the required 12 characters, does not always let me proceed. I also find electronic payments a security risk. Surely a company which has counters in Singapore should be chosen as the ticketing partner, as that would give us a choice to buy physical tickets. It doesn't help that Ticketek's helpline is an Australian number. One suggestion is to sell the tickets at the venues for three days after the match dates are announced, so that fans like me can go physically to buy them. It looks like I cannot even go support Singapore's boys' and girls' squads in the Lion City Cup 2025, or watch the national team when they face India and Bangladesh in the coming months. As retired seniors, we feel locked out from attending football events in our golden years. Please think of us. Prakasam Alexander Maria Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in GSTV cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses Singapore Singapore's second mufti Sheikh Syed Isa Semait dies at age 87 Singapore Fewer marriages in Singapore in 2024; greater marital stability for recent unions Singapore Competition watchdog gives SIA, Malaysia Airlines conditional approval to continue cooperation Singapore About 20 delivery riders meet Pritam Singh to discuss platform worker issues Business OCBC sets loan target of $5b and covers more territories in boost for serial entrepreneurs Singapore Reform Party to leave opposition group People's Alliance for Reform; two parties remain
CNA
04-07-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Singapore Premier League's move to raise foreign player quota sparks concerns in football fraternity
SINGAPORE: A move to increase the number of foreign players in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) has led to concerns that it will hamper the development of local players. Observers told CNA that it may also benefit richer clubs more than others, potentially widening the gulf between them. 'Just imagine the message that you're sending out to all the local boys who want to play, want to be a professional footballer, for example,' said SPL match commentator A Shasi Kumar, a former pro footballer and head coach. 'Would you let your son or daughter play when, at the end of the day, you only have these number of (local) players? So yeah, that's a problem.' The move was part of a slew of changes to the country's professional football league that were announced on Wednesday (Jul 2) by the Football Association of Singapore. Clubs will be able to field up to seven foreigners per match, up from six. This marks the greatest number of foreign players allowed in the SPL since the league was launched in 1996. The total prize money will also more than double to S$600,000 (US$470,000), while a new reserve league – SPL2 – to develop young players will be introduced. The SPL will also become an eight-team competition after Brunei DPMM FC withdrew from the league in May. The changes, which will take effect in the new season beginning Aug 16, are aimed at boosting the competitiveness of the league. FEWER KEY POSITIONS FOR LOCAL PLAYERS Pundits told CNA that while the move may get local players fighting harder for their spot in the first team and get selected for the national squad, it will also lower their opportunities to get quality game time. Football consultant Richard Harcus said that while SPL's move is meant to make the league better, it means fewer Singaporean homegrown players will have key positions in their teams. 'Historically, when you look at football tactics across any country, when you have (foreign) players that are coming into a team, they tend to play in key positions,' noted the former head of international operations at Balestier Khalsa FC. 'So your star striker tends to be a foreigner; your star central defender tends to be a foreigner; your star midfielder tends to be a foreigner.' Harcus said his concern in the long term would be how it affects the national team. 'Players will have less opportunities to play in teams with more foreigners, and less opportunities to play in those key positions,' added the CEO of Harcus Consultancy Group. 'But time will tell. Maybe it's time for one of the great Singaporean players to step up.' Shasi said that young footballers in Singapore have already been 'falling by the wayside', given the large gap between the under-21 and the senior teams. He stressed that the messaging to players must be right but is now 'iffy', referring to youths coming up in the National Development Centre as well as national project Unleash the Roar. Aimed at raising standards of local football across all levels, the project also hopes to create a structured development system that can fuel the dreams of young players. 'Seven foreign players – I don't think I get that. I rather have it kept at four, maybe, then we go from there, and then you see more local players coming up, because I don't think the message is right at the moment,' Shasi added. Ex-pro footballer and SPL match commentator Rhysh Roshan Rai said it will be good for the league if clubs can bring in good foreign players, but a concern is a lack of game time for local players. 'It's not just about minutes played. What's important is also the quality of minutes played, in that sense,' he pointed out. MONEY TALKS Observers also said the move to include more foreign players will more likely benefit clubs that have greater financial might in signing better players. For example, reigning champions Lion City Sailors are bankrolled by Forrest Li, the billionaire founder of tech giant Sea. He was also elected as FAS' new president in April. Rai said Lion City Sailors and Tampines Rovers are clubs that could benefit from the new ruling in continental competitions. 'But, locally, in the SPL, it's going to be interesting to see how many of the other clubs out there are actually going to be able to afford quality foreign signings that will actually lift the overall standard of the league,' he added. Shasi said he believes privatisation is the only way that other SPL teams can catch up with the Lion City Sailors. 'This is nothing against Lion City Sailors. I think, fair play if they have the money. Go ahead. Go spend it, go win it, because that's how it is supposed to be, because it's a professional league. So be it,' he added. 'But I think other clubs are just playing catch-up.' Given his long-time involvement in the league, Shasi said he hopes to see more players 'push a little further' and break into their club's first team. 'They've only got four places – or three outfield places – to fight for in their own club, so I want to see these players coming up as someone who can play for Singapore,' he added.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Singapore coach Ogura resigns months before Asian Cup qualifiers against India
Tsutomu Ogura has resigned from his post as the head coach of the men's national team of Singapore, the country's football association said in a statement on Tuesday. 'The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announces that Mr. Tsutomu Ogura has decided to step down from his position as Head Coach of the Singapore National Team, with immediate effect, due to personal reasons,' the FAS said. Ogura, 58, is the third consecutive Japanese coach in charge of Singapore, succeeding Takayuki Nishigaya, who was fired in January 2024, who had previously taken over from Tatsuma Yoshida, who quit in 2021. He was also the director of the under-22 men's team. 'Mr. Ogura informed the FAS of his decision several weeks ago, citing the need to return to his home country to attend to pressing personal matters. Since then, the FAS Executive Committee has been in close consultation with Mr. Ogura to explore various avenues to facilitate his continued tenure,' the FAS added. 'Despite collective efforts and a mutual desire to sustain the working relationship, the nature of the personal issues involved ultimately made it untenable for him to continue.' Ogura leaves after guiding the Lions to consecutive victories in June, a 3-1 win over the Maldives in an international friendly on June 5, and a 2-1 away win over Bangladesh in the Asian Cup qualifier five days later. Singapore will next play India in consecutive Asian Cup qualifiers, at home and away, on October 9 and 14, respectively. The FAS has appointed Gavin Lee, former Head Coach of BG Tampines Rovers FC, to lead the Singapore while the it looks for a new permanent head coach.
