In an astonishing turn of events, billionaire tech mogul Forrest Li, owner of the Lion City Sailors, is set to become the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president unopposed in the upcoming election on April 28.

Sources reveal that Li's competition has all but vanished after a key member of the opposing team, represented by former Balestier Khalsa vice-chairman Darwin Jalil, was disqualified from running. This stunning development means Jalil's entire slate of candidates can't compete.

Jalil recently stepped down from his position, paving the way for Li, the visionary founder behind the tech giant Sea, who announced his presidential ambitions just last month.

Upcoming FAS Election Details!

The FAS election isn’t just another formal event; it comes at a critical juncture as the association looks to elect members for a new four-year term from 2025 to 2029. This extraordinary congress, scheduled for April 28, is set to be an exciting occasion, deviating from the usually mundane annual gatherings typically held in the third quarter.

Incumbent president Bernard Tan has confirmed he will not seek re-election, making way for a fresh start. Under the unique slate-based election system, nine candidates will be elected collectively, with the leader stepping in as the new president.

As part of the new council, one member will take on the role of deputy president, four will serve as vice-presidents, and three will be general council members. Notably, FAS mandates that at least one woman must be included in the council.

What's Next for the FAS?

Nominations for this pivotal election opened on March 17 and wrapped up on March 31, with results for the qualified candidates set to be revealed on April 18. The anticipation is building, and all eyes are on FAS to see who will join Li in shaping the future of football in Singapore.

As the landscape of Singaporean football shifts, the implications of this election and Li's leadership could have profound effects on the sport’s development. Stay tuned for more updates!