In December last year, the FAS had also invited interested parties to put forward a detailed proposal to take part in the current season. While the in-principle approval had been given to one club, the SPL eventually remained a nine-team competition.
“The shortlisted club entered into a due diligence process, which took longer than expected,” said FAS previously.
“Given the tight deadline prior to the commencement of the SPL in May 2024, the club has decided not to contest the 2024/25 season.
“Instead, it will focus on getting a team ready for the 2025/26 season.”
Mr Tan said that FAS had learnt from the previous unsuccessful search which had possibly been “too fine to the wire”.
“The process only ended in February or March … the league was going to kick off in May, so it was far too late,” he added.
The nine clubs currently in the league are Albirex Niigata, Lion City Sailors, BG Tampines Rovers, Balestier Khalsa, Geylang International, Hougang United, Brunei DPMM, Tanjong Pagar United and the Young Lions.
The Lion City Sailors are currently top of the league, ahead of BG Tampines Rovers on goal difference.
The SPL – formerly the S League – was officially launched in 1996 with eight local teams.
