FAS introduces ‘enhancements’ to SPL, with increase in prize money and foreign player quota

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The Lion City Sailors received $150,000 for winning the 2024-25 Singapore Premier League. But next season, the champions will earn $200,000.

ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

Summary

• The Singapore Premier League (SPL) will increase prize money for top teams, with the champion receiving $200,000, up from $150,000 in 2024-25.
• SPL clubs can field up to seven foreign players, an increase from six, to boost competitiveness, the most since 1996.
• A new reserve league (SPL2) will replace the U-21 competition to develop local talent, ensuring more playing time for Singaporean players.

AI generated

SINGAPORE – The total prize money for the Singapore Premier League (SPL) will be more than doubled from $290,000 to $600,000, while clubs will be able to field up to seven foreigners per match – an increase from six – as part of a slew of changes aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and standard of the domestic league.

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) also announced on July 2 that the SPL will become an eight-team competition for the 2025-26 season following the departure of Brunei DPMM, while a new reserve league called SPL2 will also be introduced.

In the new season, the league champions will receive $200,000 – up from the $150,000 that the Lion City Sailors pocketed for clinching the 2024-25 title. The second-placed team will earn $150,000 (up from $80,000),the third-placed team will receive $100,000 (up from $40,000),while the side who finish fourth will get $70,000 (up from $20,000).

Last season, prize money