As the local football campaign gets under way this weekend with the Community Shield, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced yesterday some new initiatives for the second season of the Singapore Premier League (SPL).
Apart from a slight increase in subsidies for the local clubs, the biggest change will be the stadium sharing plan.
From this year, four stadiums - Jalan Besar (Young Lions and Hougang United), Bishan (Home United and Balestier Khalsa), Jurong East (Albirex Niigata and Warriors FC) and Our Tampines Hub (Tampines Rovers and Geylang International), will be used to host the eight local clubs. DPMM FC will continue to play their home matches in Brunei.
This has led to concerns that fans of the affected clubs will feel displaced. For example, Hougang are known for their loyal fan base and this is acknowledged by FAS general secretary Yazeen Buhari, who said: "They are ever-present at Hougang Stadium and they have a certain connection with the place.
"But we have explained to them the investment... is to increase the match-day experience.
"Given the infrastructure that exists in Hougang Stadium, it is less attractive to upgrade Hougang as compared to doing it (sharing stadium) at Jalan Besar."
Gerard Christopher, the FAS' deputy director (general secretary's office), added: "While the clubs, like Hougang, play their home matches at a new stadium, it does not mean they will be uprooted in terms of community engagement. They still continue to reach out to the community there and engage with schools."
Infrastructure at the four SPL stadiums will be upgraded.
Although the costs were not disclosed, the shared stadiums will receive bigger LED scoreboards, better sound systems, bucket seats for all spectators, LED billboards and banners as well as renovated dressing rooms in club colours.
SPL IN NUMBERS
65
Number of footballers (excluding the Young Lions) younger than 23 last year, nearly double the 33 in 2017 before age regulations were imposed.126
All SPL games will be streamed live this year, compared to 98 last season.19.4
Average passing mark of the Yo-Yo test this year. The passing mark was raised from 18.4 to 19.1 this year. The test is a multi-stage shuttle run conducted to increase tempo to gauge players' anaerobic fitness and all players must pass before being registered. No player failed last year.
"It is a great venue, and it will give us opportunities to organise match-day activities, and promote the club on other days, because there are just so many people using the facility," Geylang's general manager Andrew Ang told The Straits Times earlier, when asked about playing their home games at Our Tampines Hub.
The FAS was keen to emphasise that the stadium sharing arrangement is not permanent.
As part of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth's Sports Facilities Master Plan, residents in Punggol can also look forward to a regional sports centre, similar to Our Tampines Hub. It is expected to be ready by 2021 and a northern-based club like Hougang could relocate to the new stadium.
The local SPL clubs, which received $1.01 million each in subsidies from the FAS last season, will enjoy an increase in funding this year.
Although no figures were disclosed, Yazeen said: "There's a slight increase this year that is proportionate to the fact that clubs can sign an extra foreign player."
For the new season, clubs will be allowed to increase their squad size from 25 to 28, with the additional three players not restricted by age.
Last year, the local clubs were limited to two foreign signings, but are now allowed to sign an additional foreigner under the age of 21.
Tampines Rovers chairman Desmond Ong welcomed the changes, and said: "Any additional subsidy is greatly welcomed given the fact that the clubs run on tight budgets.
"But it remains to be seen how the clubs playing in AFC (Asian Football Confederation) competitions will perform if they abide by the SPL rules and take to the field with three local Under-23 players and one foreign Under-21 player."
In Summary. Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk says he voted for Manchester City's Raheem Sterling to be named PFA player of the year. Van Dijk is one of the favourites for the award after
Sterling gets Van Dijk's vote for PFA player of the year
aldipest.com/2019/04/11/sterling-gets-van-dijks-vote-for-pfa-player-of-the-year/
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has revealed he voted for Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling for the PFA Player of the Year Award. Van Dijk ultimately opted for the former Liverpool winger Sterling, who could be his closest challenger for the honour, with voting rules preventing players backing their teammates.
Sterling gets Van Dijk's vote for PFA player of the year
Ronaldo return looms large over Juve's European hopes Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo training yesterday in Turin before the flight to Amsterdam for the Champions League quarter-final first leg at
Ronaldo return looms massive over Juve's European hopes
Hard to believe, but Pop was once unwanted _ by Spurs fans. Gregg Popovich was the coach nobody wanted. It's hard to fathom now, after five NBA championships as coach of the San Antonio Spurs and
Tottenham 3-0 Manchester United:Pochettino says Spurs need to
ManUtd News - Buffon identifies two problems PSG have ahead of Man Utd clash. Gigi Buffon has told Paris Saint-Germain to show "a spirit of sacrifice for the team" with Edison Cavani joining
"We Have To Improve Mentally" - Gianluigi Buffon Warns PSG
Real Madrid have been aided by two penalties in their 2-1 Spanish La Liga win at Levante, which left them nine points behind leaders Barcelona. Bale penalty gives below-par Real Liga win Home
Gareth Bale penalty gives below-par Real Madrid win at Levante
Mauricio Pochettino says finishing in the Premier League's top 3 for a third successive season is a massive achievement having played 38 away games including at Wembley, but the club need to be
Mauricio Pochettino: Tottenham need bravery against Ajax
May 22, 2017 · Ajax aims to relive past glories in Europa League final vs. Manchester United. Ajax coach Peter Bosz has transformed the club in his first season in charge.
Ajax's dream factory: Where selling De Jong is no big deal
With the Spanish giants still reeling from Zinedine Zidane's departure, having sacked his replacement Julen Lopetegui in October and then appointing the inexperienced Santiago Solari, some Spanish media reports have said Perez could be tempted to bring Mourinho back. The Portuguese, who was sacked by United on Tuesday, was with Real between
Is Jose Mourinho Heading Back To Madrid?
Newcastle United's 2-0 win over 10-man Huddersfield Town on Saturday eased their Premier League safety fears and sent the Terriers hurtling ever faster towards relegation to the Championship.
EPL: Newcastle plunge 10-man Huddersfield closer to the drop
Corrected: Hazard marks milestone with early goal to help
Southampton stun fading Spurs, Newcastle edge five-goal Everton thriller on Champions League football next season. the Southampton defence and he then
Southampton stun fading Spurs, Newcastle edge five-goal
Barcelona's defence were completely caught out by Divock Origi's winner as Liverpool went through 4-3 on aggregate Barcelona striker Luis Suarez said his side "looked like schoolboys" for
Luis Suarez says Barcelona 'looked like schoolboys' defending
More than just Ronaldo! Portugal could be ready to dominate after claiming first-ever Nations League. The Valencia man had swapped passes with Bernardo Silva to get into the position, with the
Portugal fail to show they are more than just Ronaldo - Egypt
Romelu Lukaku scored twice to make light work of Manchester United's injury crisis with a comfortable Premier League victory over Crystal Palace. Lukaku double inspires Man United to 3-1 win
Football news - Romelu Lukaku double seals Manchester United
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar