Uncertainty over Brunei DPMM s participation in next Singapore Premier League season

SINGAPORE – A huge question mark is hanging over Brunei DPMM’s participation in next season’s Singapore Premier League (SPL),with the Bruneian club indicating their interest to return to the Malaysia Super League (MSL).

DPMM stated on their website recently that they are eyeing Geylang International striker and the SPL’s record-breaking top scorer Tomoyuki Doi for the MSL next term.

“With the signing of Doi, it will help DPMM to excel in the league for their debut season in the Malaysia Super League,” DPMM added of the Japanese, who has racked up 42 goals and 10 assists in 27 SPL games for the Eagles.

When contacted, DPMM coach Jamie McAllister said that the move is “not confirmed yet”, but the club said in another post on their website that talks for a return to the Malaysian competition are looking “positive”.

On April 21, Malaysian daily New Straits Times also reported on the Bruneian side’s keenness to be part of the MSL again.

If the move goes ahead, the SPL will be left with only eight teams.

But The Straits Times understands that there could be a replacement, as the 2025-26 season could possibly see the inclusion of Tengah FC.

Asked to comment on the situation, a Football Association of Singapore (FAS) spokesperson said: “Brunei DPMM is a long-time, valued partner of our local football fraternity and we are looking forward to watching them compete for honours in the upcoming Singapore Cup semi-finals.”

“We have an active Request for Proposal in process, and this is part of our efforts to refresh and rejuvenate the league competition, and we will make announcements on any new developments in due course,” the spokesperson added, referring to its search for new SPL clubs.

Tengah had received “in-principle approval” to participate in the 2024-25 SPL campaign.