Singapore Football Association (FAS) recently made a decision that has left many critics unimpressed. The association announced its withdrawal from the 2023 U23 AFF Cup, citing the need for players to recover mentally following a dismal performance at the SEA Games 32 football tournament. While FAS acting president Bernard Tan emphasized that the players were in a state of shock and required time to regain their confidence, this move has been met with strong criticism. However, the decision to withdraw from the AFF Cup was allegedly made before the tournament draw, indicating that scheduling conflicts rather than genuine concern for the players’ mental state may have influenced FAS’s choice.
It is undeniable that Singapore’s performance at the SEA Games was abysmal. Finishing at the bottom of Group B without a single victory, their defeat to Malaysia by a staggering 7-0 scoreline marked their worst loss in a decade.
Many Singaporean fans believe that FAS could have taken a different approach to salvage the situation. Some argue that Singapore should have sent alternative U23 players or even the U20 team to the tournament, as a means to gain valuable experience and improve their performance.
The ASEAN Football Federation approved Singapore’s proposal to withdraw from the tournament. However, this has not silenced the disapproval from fans who are disappointed by the association’s handling of the situation. Calls for Bernard Tan’s resignation have grown louder, prompting FAS to establish a committee to review the players’ performances at the SEA Games.
In the midst of this controversy, it seems that FAS is determined to implement changes to enhance Singapore’s football landscape. Tan has expressed his desire to increase the number of matches in the domestic league, providing players with more opportunities to develop their skills. Additionally, FAS intends to revive the policy of naturalizing foreign players, a strategy that had previously contributed to Singapore’s success in winning the AFF Cup on four occasions in the past.
While FAS’s decision to withdraw from the U23 AFF Cup may have been driven by concerns for the players’ mental well-being, it has been met with widespread criticism. Many Singaporean fans feel that alternative options were available to improve the team’s performance and gain valuable experience. As FAS faces scrutiny and calls for leadership change, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact Singapore’s football future.
Screenshot from Hardware Zone
The 2023 U23 AFF Cup will still proceed in Thailand from August 17 to 26, with defending champions Vietnam finding themselves placed in a seemingly easier Group C alongside Philippines and Laos. Singapore’s disappointing campaign at the SEA Games saw them score a mere two goals, including an own goal from Vietnam.
