A significant leadership change is on the horizon for Singapore football as Bernard Tan, President of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), confirmed he will not seek re-election during the upcoming elections on April 28. His announcement marks the end of an era and opens the door for new leadership in local football.

In a candid interview with The Straits Times, Tan expressed his regrets to supporters and affiliates who might be disappointed by his decision, emphasizing a desire to spend more time with his family. At 58, Tan, who also heads Indonesian conglomerate Sinar Mas in Singapore, reflected on the immense responsibility he felt while in office. "Managing the FAS was never just a job for me; it was a part of my identity," he stated.

Tan made it clear that putting Singapore football first influenced his decision to step aside. He is hopeful for the future of the sport, stating, "If a capable candidate emerges, I’m more than willing to support a transition." His intentions to remain engaged in Singapore football, albeit not as its president, leave the door open for ongoing contributions to the sport's landscape.

One of the major contenders vying for the presidency is tech entrepreneur Forrest Li, founder of Sea Limited, who formally announced his candidacy just weeks ago. Former Woodlands Wellington general manager R. Vengadasalam has also been touted as a potential candidate. Although Tan refrained from endorsing any specific individual, he acknowledged the need for substantial resources for the future of Singapore football, hinting that some candidates have plans to address this.

Tan's tenure has not been without its challenges. Since stepping in as acting president following the death of the previous president Lim Kia Tong, he has faced considerable scrutiny, particularly amid disappointing performances by Singapore's national teams, which rank 160th and 139th globally for men's and women's football, respectively. Despite the criticisms, Tan affirmed that his administration has laid a robust foundation for a brighter future.

Among his achievements, Tan cited the 2024 Asean Football Federation Championship semi-finals reached under new coach Tsutomu Ogura and the women's team's qualification for the 2025 Asean Women’s Championship. He also made strides in youth development, including the “Unleash The Roar!” initiative, which provides scholarships and strengthens youth leagues—a crucial step for nurturing future football talent in the nation.

As Tan prepares to pass the baton, he reflects on the tumultuous yet educational experience he endured while leading the FAS. His fiery retort to critics highlights the often harsh realities of public life in sports management, addressing how negative comments can overshadow constructive feedback. "We need to foster unity and inclusiveness within our football community," he emphasized, underscoring the importance of collaboration as Singapore football moves forward.

As the election draws near, all eyes will be on the candidates proposing new visions for Singapore football. Will they rise to the occasion and bring about the much-needed transformation in the nation's football landscape? Only time will tell as fans eagerly await the next chapter.