In a groundbreaking move for Singapore football, billionaire entrepreneur Forrest Li is poised to become the next president of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS). As the founder of the gaming giant Garena and owner of the e-commerce behemoth Shopee, Li is channeling his success into a new passion—reviving the beautiful game in Singapore.

Li, also the chairman of the Singapore Premier League's Lion City Sailors, was declared unopposed in the upcoming council elections for the term of 2025-2029. His vision? "Restore pride and joy to our national sport and unite communities through football." He eloquently stated, "Football is more than just a sport. It’s a catalyst for community spirit, creating lasting memories through hard-fought victories and spectacular goals that we can cherish for years to come."

Li's ambitious leadership team is set to include notable figures in Singapore football: Desmond Ong, chairman of Tampines Rovers, will step in as deputy president, alongside a lineup of vice-presidents that includes the national captain Hariss Harun and Burnley FC's Sean Bai. This diverse leadership slate promises a blend of experience and passion for the sport.

The official induction of the new team is scheduled for April 28 at Raffles Town Club, marking a significant moment in the future of Singapore football. However, the journey hasn't been without obstacles. Li faced an initial challenge from former Balestier Khalsa vice-chairman Darwin Jalil, whose campaign was derailed due to disqualification over an ineligible candidate, spurring him to seek FIFA's intervention.

Adding a progressive touch to the council, Yeong Sheau Shyan, head of women's football at the Sailors, will automatically secure a place on the council, reinforcing the importance of female representation in sports leadership.

Li’s tech prowess is well-known; Sea Ltd, formerly Garena, is celebrated globally for the hit game Free Fire and its dominant online marketplace Shopee. Acquiring the Sailors in 2020, Li is now steering Singapore football into a new era—one filled with hope, spirit, and excitement.

As Forrest Li steps into this pivotal role, the football community is abuzz with anticipation for the revival of a beloved sport that promises to bring people together once more.