Gianni Infantino inaugurates FIFA FORWARD projects at Jalan Basar
Football Association of Singapore has renovated headquarters and new artificial pitch
FIFA President also met government officials
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) for its visionary commitment to development on a visit to the country as he observed new facilities supported by the FIFA FORWARD programme. Mr Infantino attended the inauguration of the renovated FAS headquarters, which will facilitate football development across the member association and the link between strong governance and results on the pitch were outlined by the installation of an artificial pitch on-site. The association also has ambitious plans to boost amateur football and schools competitions, aligned to the President’s Vision 2020-2023 for FIFA.
“It is a day of hope, joy and optimism and we certainly need that in this particular period of time”, the President said. “I would like to commend you, because without the hard work that each and every one of you are carrying out every day for football here in Singapore, many of the boys and girls sitting here today would not be able to benefit.”
The Football Association of Singapore will celebrate its 130th anniversary in 2022 and the member association’s commitment to sustainable growth has the ultimate objective of qualification for a FIFA World Cup in 2034.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Singapore on 5 December 2021
“As you know, we are discussing the future of competitions”, the President added. “I really believe that when we speak about making football truly global, we need to invest more in competitions, in giving opportunities, in giving hope to our boys and girls to be able to play at youth level on a yearly basis. For both men and women, we need to have more frequent opportunities for your national teams to play in the World Cup.”
Before attending the AFF Suzuki Cup match between Singapore and Myanmar, Mr Infantino also met with Singapore Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, Mr Edwin Tong, highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in making a difference to the future through football.
“Thank you very much President Lim [Kia Tong] and to everyone for the commitment and the work”, the President concluded. “I’m sure that with it, the Lions of Singapore will shine and that they will unleash their roar.”