What is the purpose of the Request for Proposal (RFP)?
The RFP invites interested clubs to submit proposals for participation in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) starting from the 2025/26 season. The initiative aims to expand the number of teams in the SPL, enhance professional football standards in Singapore, and increase community and fan engagement.
Who can submit a proposal to join the SPL?
The RFP is open to any club that meets the Football Association of Singapore’s (FAS) requirements, including those outlined in the SPL and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Club Licensing Regulations. Prospective clubs must align with the objectives of promoting football excellence, sportsmanship, and fan engagement.
What are the key phases of the RFP process?
The RFP process is divided into three main phases:
- Application Phase: Applicants must submit all required documentation using the official entry form. Incomplete submissions will lead to immediate disqualification. The Selection Committee will shortlist successful applicants for the Evaluation Phase.
- Evaluation Phase: Shortlisted applicants will undergo further compliance audits and may need to participate in engagement, interview, or presentation sessions with the Selection Committee. They must meet an additional list of criteria by 11 April 2025 to qualify for SPL participation.
- Renewal Phase: Clubs approved to participate will undergo the annual AFC/SPL Club Licensing Cycle during the 2025/26 SPL season to be eligible for the following season.
What are the key criteria for selection?
Proposals will be evaluated based on (but not limited to) the following:
- The club’s history and achievements.
- Team structure and management.
- Facilities and infrastructure (e.g., training facilities).
- Financial stability.
- Commitment to community engagement, fan outreach, as well as women’s and youth development.
Compliance with the SPL and AFC Club Licensing Regulations.
What specific components must be included in the proposal?
Proposals must cover the following:
- Club overview, including its vision and mission.
- Ownership and management structure.
- Home stadium and training facilities.
- Financial plan demonstrating sustainable revenue sources, as the club will not receive subvention from the FAS.
- Player recruitment strategies, including women’s and youth football development.
- Coaching and technical structure for the first team, women’s team, and youth squads.
Plans for community outreach, fan engagement, and marketing.
Is there a submission deadline?
Yes, the deadline for submitting an expression of interest is 14 March 2025, 1800hrs. The final proposal must be submitted electronically via email to [email protected].
Will late or incomplete submissions be considered?
No, late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. All proposals must meet the submission guidelines and deadlines. Incomplete applications will lead to immediate disqualification from the Application Phase.
What is the mandatory financial guarantee required? Why is it necessary?
Each club submitting a proposal must demonstrate financial viability, which minimally includes proof of financial capability to sustain the operating expenses of the club for the initial year of participation. This ensures the club’s financial stability and ability to sustain its operations in the SPL. It is important to note that the applicant Club shall not be entitled to any subvention hence the need for it to demonstrate sustainable revenue source.
What roles do community engagement and fan outreach play in the selection process?
Community engagement and fan outreach are vital components of a club’s proposal. FAS seeks clubs that can actively promote football as a sport within local communities, schools, and through outreach programmes. This includes collaboration with Sport Singapore (SportSG) and other community-based organisations to cultivate interest at the grassroots level.
How will FAS evaluate the financial plans of applicants?
Financial plans will be scrutinised to ensure the club’s financial sustainability. Clubs must provide a detailed budget for at least their first season (2025/26), including revenue streams from ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandise, and other potential sources. As the club will not receive subvention from FAS, it must demonstrate a sustainable, self-funded business model.
Can foreign clubs apply to join the SPL?
Any non-local clubs that are interested in participating must comply with all SPL and AFC Club Licensing Regulations, and ensure their proposal meets FAS’s goals for promoting local football development. Non-local applicants shall provide an endorsement letter from their respective Member Association, supporting their intent and application to be considered as a participating team in the SPL. All non-local applicants shall also be subjected to final approvals from both the AFC and FIFA to participate in the SPL.
What are the next steps after submitting the proposal?
Once an expression of interest is submitted by 14 March 2025, applicants will enter the Application Phase. Shortlisted applicants will move on to the Evaluation Phase, where they will undergo further audits and interviews. They will then have until 11 April 2025 to meet additional criteria before final approval.
How many clubs will be selected to join the SPL for the 2025/26 season?
The final decision will be based on the quality of the proposals and how well they align with the goals of the SPL and FAS.
What happens after a club is selected to join the SPL?
Selected clubs will participate in the SPL 2025/26 season and will be subject to the annual AFC/SPL Club Licensing Cycle to continue in the 2026/27 season onwards.
Where can I access the full details of the RFP?
The full RFP can be viewed and downloaded from the FAS website at: https://www.fas.org.sg/about-fas/tenders/.
Who can I contact for further inquiries?
For any additional questions or clarifications, you can reach out to the following personnel:
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
