SINGAPORE (23 August 2014) – Winston Lee, the General Secretary of the FA of Singapore (FAS) has hailed the AFC SMT team’s visit to the island republic, saying that the newly implemented Club Licensing system is a motivating factor in the nation’s ambition to feature regularly in Asia’s premier club competition – the AFC Champions League.
After its recent visit to Vietnam, the three-man SMT (Special Mission Team) is in Singapore to further explain the changed decision method on slot allocation, club eligibility and play-off system for the ACL.
The delegation will also meet S.League club officials to discuss the FAS’ Club Licensing regulations. The talks are designed to assist club officials’ understanding on the respective criteria of the Club Licensing system.
“Over the last few years, improving our professionalism and establish the club licensing system within our league has helped us a lot,” Lee said to afc.com
“The ACL has always been a motivation for our club and I am sure that the new system gives more motivation for our clubs as it provides a platform for the clubs from mid-level Member Associations to participate in the premier competition.”
S.League CEO Lim Chin echoed Lee, saying: “We have been trying hard to meet the criteria and our local clubs are keen. It may not be easy to compete against clubs from Korea (Republic) and Japan but it will surely boost the motivation of our clubs.
“With the introduction of the Club Licensing system, our clubs are well aware that they need to meet the requirements, but that we still have challenges ahead in a few areas such as facilities and stadiums,” he added.
