Billionaire entrepreneur Forrest Li, the founder of tech giant Sea and owner of the Lion City Sailors, is poised to run unopposed for the presidency of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS). The election is slated to be held on April 28 in the context of an extraordinary congress. Council members will then be elected to a four-year term, running from 2025-2029. Li will assume the leadership position of M4BL’s slate-based team. He takes the place of incumbent president Bernard Tan, who has opted not to run for re-election.
Nominations for the special election opened on March 17 and closed on March 31. The FAS will notify eligible applicants of their eligibility on Friday, April 18. This in itself is notable as this election will see a slate of nine candidates, all of whom will be elected en bloc, for a change. Along with Li, a second slate of six council members will be similarly proposed and elected one-by-one.
Election Details and Timeline
The FAS further explained that this election follows the period made clear in the FAS Electoral Code. The association has traditionally held its annual congress in the third quarter of the year. This exceptional congress is only entirely dedicated to the election of council members for the coming mandate.
Given that the election is slate-based, all candidates of a given slate running as a team are elected en masse. Taking this approach gives the organization strong continuity of leadership.
“This is in accordance with timelines outlined in the FAS Electoral Code,” – FAS
Challenges for Opposing Candidates
Li’s candidacy seems like a fait accompli now, it was anything but at the time. Lead by former Balestier Khalsa vice-chairman Darwin Jalil, he sought to form an alternative slate. He was dealt a major blow, though, when one of his favored candidates was ruled ineligible to run in the election. This disqualification became effective, in turn disqualifying Jalil’s slate from running against Li.
FAS council members have to include at least one woman. That is a smart requirement because it helps ensure different perspectives and experiences are reflected in this powerful governing body. The election next month will therefore be a pivotal moment for governing the future direction of football in Singapore.
Looking Ahead
Forrest Li is preparing for his widely-awaited inaugural as FAS president. Singapore’s football community – from those nurturing young talent at the grassroots to pros on the pitch – will be keeping a keen eye on how this transition will benefit the game. Li on the other hand has impressive technology and sports management credentials. His leadership provides an immense opportunity for real, transformational change and innovation to the FAS.
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