2012年12月22日星期六
2012年12月20日星期四
Avramovic mindful that it's only 'half-time'
Football: Avramovic mindful that it's only 'half-time'
Radojko Avramovic (TODAY File Photo)
Best known for his surly and serious demeanour, the 63-year-old Serbian could not stop himself from smiling as he addressed the media in the wake of his Lions' resounding 3-1 win over Thailand in the first-leg of the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup, admitting "it felt good".
The feel-good factor, however, was due more to the way everything went to plan on Wednesday night.
"You know you have worked hard in wanting to achieve something, plan everything in detail and finally you see the result. That was what happened tonight," said Avramovic.
"But of course, we also put in our share of hard work, showed tremendous team spirit, which was crucial in a match like this."
Nonetheless, Avramovic did not allow himself nor his players to get carried away with the result, which means Thailand must chalk up a 2-0 result in the second leg on Saturday in Bangkok in order to win on the away goals rule.
"The Thais are an exceptionally gifted team and there is still another 90 minutes to be played in Bangkok on Saturday," warned Avramovic.
That was also why Thailand coach Winfried Schafer declared that his team's quest for a record fourth AFF title is not over yet.
"I know my players. I trust them and I have confidence in them," said the German. "And we still have time to work things out for the return match. I am sure Singapore will have a match on their hands come Saturday."
Meanwhile, it looks like the head injury that left-back Shaiful Esah had picked up in the final moments of the game is not as serious as had been initially feared. The 26-year-old, whose cross led to Baihakki Khaizan's goal in stoppage time, landed on the back of his head during an aerial challenge with a Thai player. Grimacing in pain as medical staff huddled over him, he was put in a neck brace and stretched off the pitch as his team-mates watched on anxiously.
However, team manager Eugene Loo later told the media that the defender was "all right".
"But we are not taking any chances. We are sending him to the hospital for further checks," said Loo.
- TODAY
2012年12月18日星期二
Coaches agree best teams are in AFF Suzuki Cup final
Football: Coaches agree best teams are in AFF Suzuki Cup final
Winfried Schafer (L) and Raddy Avramovic (R) at a news conference before the AFF
Both Singapore's and Thailand's coaches have agreed that the two countries have performed the best in this year's AFF Suzuki Cup competition.
They have also said that it is no surprise both countries are in the final.
Singapore's preparations were not the best going into the tournament; the Lions have clawed their way into the final and can now make regional history by beating Thailand.
Lifting the Cup will be all the more special, given the speculation that it could be coach Raddy's last tournament with the team.
"I'm very happy that we are here because not many people gave us a chance. But our players have done an absolutely great job and we are in the finals, why don't we try to win," said Raddy Avramovic, head coach for Singapore's team.
Many expect Thailand to win; the team is seen by many as the favourites. Expectations are high back home as well, and the Thai coach is targeting a win.
"I hope we have a good result tomorrow and (recreate) the big success in Bangkok. That is our target, our goal," said Winfried Schafer, coach for the Thai team.
Some 180 Thai fans have followed the team to Singapore to lend their support.
The first leg kicks off Wednesday night at the Jalan Besar Stadium, with the return leg on Saturday in Bangkok.
Thailand and Singapore are the only two teams that have won this title on three previous occasions.
Both teams will not be holding back over the two legs as they vie for the honour of being the first country in Southeast Asia to win the Cup for the fourth time.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年12月17日星期一
Singapore, Thailand vie for record fourth title
Football: Singapore, Thailand vie for record fourth title
Philippines player Phil Younghusband (C) vies for the ball with Singapore players during the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final in Singapore on December 12, 2012. (AFP/Roslan Rahman)
Singapore and Thailand will vie for the honour of becoming Southeast Asia's first four-time champions when the AFF Suzuki Cup final gets under way on Wednesday.
Both teams have won the title three times, during a period in which they shared it for the first six editions, and they are reunited in the two-legged final after both failed to reach the semis at the last tournament in 2010.
But two years after those disappointing campaigns, normal service has been resumed as they topped their respective groups before battling through tricky semi-finals to reach the final once again.
The Thais have done it in impressive fashion, winning all of their group games against the Philippines, Myanmar and Vietnam before disposing of defending champions Malaysia 3-1 on aggregate in the last four.
The "War Elephants" have not won the regional title in a decade but Winfried Schaefer's vibrant side will be favourites after netting 12 times in five games with striker Teerasil Dangda bagging a tournament-leading five goals.
And in Datsakorn Thonglao, they have a talented and combative midfielder who is determined to lift the title after finishing with runners-up medals in 2007 and 2008.
"I have never been on the winning side in the AFF Suzuki Cup. It is a gap in my career. I want to put that right this year," said the 28-year-old.
Datsakorn will be gunning to avenge the loss to Singapore in the 2007 final when Khairul Amri's thunderbolt with nine minutes left in the second leg gave the Lions a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Amri has been hobbled by a series of injuries in the past four years but he netted the only goal over two legs in a hard-fought semi-final victory against the Philippines.
That followed a group stage in which Singapore stunned neighbours Malaysia 3-0 and lost 1-0 to Indonesia, before they came from two goals down to beat unfancied Laos 4-3.
Captain Shahril Ishak has led by example by scoring four goals while 42-year-old Aleksandar Duric, set to retire after the tournament, became the competition's oldest goal-scorer when he found the net against Malaysia.
"Like us, Thailand have a good mixture of old and young players and I think that it will be a great final with the two best teams playing for the most prestigious trophy in Southeast Asian football," said the veteran striker.
"For me, playing my last game at the Jalan Besar Stadium for the national team will be a special moment for me. I have two games left and I will be enjoying every moment especially knowing that it is the final."
The first leg will be played on the artificial pitch of Singapore's Jalan Besar venue on Wednesday, with the return game at Bangkok's Supachalasai Stadium on Saturday.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年11月16日星期五
Philippines 1 Singapore 0
Football: Philippines 1 Singapore 0
The Philippines beat Singapore's Lions 1-0 in an international friendly match on Thursday.
Singapore started strongly, dominating the match in the first half.
But Shi Jiayi missed a chance to put the Lions ahead after fluffing his spot-kick.
The Philippines scored the lone winner in the 55th minute, with Marvin Angeles slotting home to give the hosts a 1-0 win.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
The Philippines beat Singapore's Lions 1-0 in an international friendly match on Thursday.
Singapore started strongly, dominating the match in the first half.
But Shi Jiayi missed a chance to put the Lions ahead after fluffing his spot-kick.
The Philippines scored the lone winner in the 55th minute, with Marvin Angeles slotting home to give the hosts a 1-0 win.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年11月2日星期五
Tampines Rovers win S.League Cup
Football: Tampines Rovers win S.League Cup
Tampines Rovers won their second successive S.League title after beating Malaysia's Harimau Muda 1-0 at Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday night.
The breakthrough came before half-time when Aleksandar Duric was awarded a controversial penalty.
Mustafic Fahrudin slotted home the spot kick.
The penalty was enough to give Tampines their fourth league title as they finished the season with 52 points.
～News courtesy of Channel Newsasia～
Tampines Rovers won their second successive S.League title after beating Malaysia's Harimau Muda 1-0 at Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday night.
The breakthrough came before half-time when Aleksandar Duric was awarded a controversial penalty.
Mustafic Fahrudin slotted home the spot kick.
The penalty was enough to give Tampines their fourth league title as they finished the season with 52 points.
～News courtesy of Channel Newsasia～
2012年10月24日星期三
S-League title race down to the wire
Football: S-League title race down to the wire
When referee Yazeen Buhari stopped proceedings at the Hougang Stadium on Wednesday night, the DPMM players shot their arms in the air and danced off the pitch as if they had won the championship, dousing their coach Vjeran Simunic in iced water as he addressed the media.
By beating Hougang United 3-1 on Wednesday night, DPMM ensured the two-horse Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League title race will go down the wire.
The win saw the Bruneians climb to second on 48 points, just one behind league leaders Tampines Rovers, with one game remaining.
DPMM will face Balestier Khalsa on Nov 2 in Brunei Darussalam, but Tampines can seal their second straight title if they beat Malaysia's Harimau Muda at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
But in Simunic's eyes, his players have already won. He said: "In my view, we are already team of the year ... (this result means) we are placed in front of expensively assembled teams like Home United and SAFFC, and good teams like Balestier Khalsa. Our first target was to challenge these teams, and now we are very proud to challenge Tampines who are title holders."
Jordan Webb's 10th-minute strike gave Hougang the lead, but a show-stopping free-kick from Azwan Salleh after 24 minutes drew DPMM level, before Patrick Da Silva (51st) and Ampuan Nurul Azami (60th) ensured all three points for the visitors.
"I don't think the team will need a coach when we play Balestier, there will be 30,000 people (at the stadium) who can win with all our players," said Simunic.
"If Harimau Muda play (against Tampines) as they can play, with all their best players, they can beat any team."
~News courtesy of Today~
When referee Yazeen Buhari stopped proceedings at the Hougang Stadium on Wednesday night, the DPMM players shot their arms in the air and danced off the pitch as if they had won the championship, dousing their coach Vjeran Simunic in iced water as he addressed the media.
By beating Hougang United 3-1 on Wednesday night, DPMM ensured the two-horse Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League title race will go down the wire.
The win saw the Bruneians climb to second on 48 points, just one behind league leaders Tampines Rovers, with one game remaining.
DPMM will face Balestier Khalsa on Nov 2 in Brunei Darussalam, but Tampines can seal their second straight title if they beat Malaysia's Harimau Muda at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
But in Simunic's eyes, his players have already won. He said: "In my view, we are already team of the year ... (this result means) we are placed in front of expensively assembled teams like Home United and SAFFC, and good teams like Balestier Khalsa. Our first target was to challenge these teams, and now we are very proud to challenge Tampines who are title holders."
Jordan Webb's 10th-minute strike gave Hougang the lead, but a show-stopping free-kick from Azwan Salleh after 24 minutes drew DPMM level, before Patrick Da Silva (51st) and Ampuan Nurul Azami (60th) ensured all three points for the visitors.
"I don't think the team will need a coach when we play Balestier, there will be 30,000 people (at the stadium) who can win with all our players," said Simunic.
"If Harimau Muda play (against Tampines) as they can play, with all their best players, they can beat any team."
~News courtesy of Today~
2012年10月18日星期四
Sundram to stay with LionsXII?
Football: Sundram to stay with LionsXII?
It looks like V Sundramoorthy is likely to remain in charge of the LionsXII next year.
Two Malaysian state teams - Perak and Terengganu - who were reportedly trying to lure the former Singapore international, are expected to unveil Negeri Sembilan's Azraai Khor Abdullah and Felda United's E Elavarasan as their new head coaches respectively, thereby ending any talk linking them with Sundram.
At the same time, Sundram has told TODAY that he remains keen to continue helming the LionsXII.
"I am honoured that the Terengganu FA had wanted me to take charge of the team for next season and I was ready to hear them out," said the 47-year-old.
"So did Perak. It shows that my work is being recognised and, in a way, Singapore football should be proud too.
"But at the end of the day, staying put in Singapore also means that I can continue serving my country, that is, if the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) still needs my service."
Sundram, who led the LionsXII to runner-up and semi-final finishes in this season's Malaysian Super League (MSL) and Malaysia Cup respectively, was thought to be close to a move to Perak.
The MSL side were reportedly prepared to offer him a deal worth up to US$15,000 (S$18,000) a month, believed to be about twice what he is currently earning.
Terengganu also approached Sundram after parting ways with Englishman Peter Butler last month, but a Terengganu FA spokesman said they could not agree terms with the Singaporean.
The north-eastern side were also keen on LionsXII assistant coach Kadir Yahaya, but the Singapore full-back wants to remain with the LionsXII.
- TODAY
It looks like V Sundramoorthy is likely to remain in charge of the LionsXII next year.
Two Malaysian state teams - Perak and Terengganu - who were reportedly trying to lure the former Singapore international, are expected to unveil Negeri Sembilan's Azraai Khor Abdullah and Felda United's E Elavarasan as their new head coaches respectively, thereby ending any talk linking them with Sundram.
At the same time, Sundram has told TODAY that he remains keen to continue helming the LionsXII.
"I am honoured that the Terengganu FA had wanted me to take charge of the team for next season and I was ready to hear them out," said the 47-year-old.
"So did Perak. It shows that my work is being recognised and, in a way, Singapore football should be proud too.
"But at the end of the day, staying put in Singapore also means that I can continue serving my country, that is, if the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) still needs my service."
Sundram, who led the LionsXII to runner-up and semi-final finishes in this season's Malaysian Super League (MSL) and Malaysia Cup respectively, was thought to be close to a move to Perak.
The MSL side were reportedly prepared to offer him a deal worth up to US$15,000 (S$18,000) a month, believed to be about twice what he is currently earning.
Terengganu also approached Sundram after parting ways with Englishman Peter Butler last month, but a Terengganu FA spokesman said they could not agree terms with the Singaporean.
The north-eastern side were also keen on LionsXII assistant coach Kadir Yahaya, but the Singapore full-back wants to remain with the LionsXII.
- TODAY
2012年10月11日星期四
LionsXII crash out of Malaysia Cup
LionsXII crash out of Malaysia Cup
Singapore is out of the Malaysia Cup, after the LionsXII lost their nail-biting semi-final tie on Thursday.
The team lost to ATM FA 4-5 on penalties in their semi-final second-leg tie in Kuala Lumpur.
The match had ended at 1-1 (2-2 on aggregate) after extra time.
It was all square after the first tie in Singapore ended 1-1. And the LionsXII were on their way to victory in the return tie at the Selayang Stadium when Agu Casmir scored in the 27th minute.
But in the dying seconds of normal time, Marlon James equalised for ATM to send the match into extra time.
The match was still deadlocked after 30 minutes of extra time, before it went into penalty shootout.
Singapore was last in the Malaysia Cup in 1994 when it went on to lift the trophy.
This year's final will be on 20 October at the Shah Alam Stadium.
- CNA/ir
Singapore is out of the Malaysia Cup, after the LionsXII lost their nail-biting semi-final tie on Thursday.
The team lost to ATM FA 4-5 on penalties in their semi-final second-leg tie in Kuala Lumpur.
The match had ended at 1-1 (2-2 on aggregate) after extra time.
It was all square after the first tie in Singapore ended 1-1. And the LionsXII were on their way to victory in the return tie at the Selayang Stadium when Agu Casmir scored in the 27th minute.
But in the dying seconds of normal time, Marlon James equalised for ATM to send the match into extra time.
The match was still deadlocked after 30 minutes of extra time, before it went into penalty shootout.
Singapore was last in the Malaysia Cup in 1994 when it went on to lift the trophy.
This year's final will be on 20 October at the Shah Alam Stadium.
- CNA/ir
2012年10月10日星期三
Sundram calls for grit and gumption
Sundram calls for grit and gumption
V. Sundramoorthy's LionsXII stared elimination in the face, and turned in a ferocious performance - worthy of their name - to beat Pahang and advance to the semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup.
Now, Sundram has called for his charges to show the same grit and gumption when they face Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) in the second leg semi-final fixture in Selayang on Thursday night.
The LionsXII only managed a 1-1 draw with ATM in the first leg played at Jalan Besar, giving the champions of the second-tier Malaysian Premier League the advantage on the away goals rule, but Sundram is confident his charges can rise to the challenge again.
"The boys have done well in away games in the MSL (Malaysian Super League) and they showed that they can fight against Pahang. They all understand their roles and responsibilities, and what I want them to show is fighting spirit," said the 47-year-old.
In the past year, the LionsXII have assembled an impressive away record.
They have defeated defending Malaysia Cup champions Negeri Sembilan and title chasers Terengganu on their travels, along with Sabah, Perak, Sarawak, Johor FC and Felda United, winning seven games, losing three times, with three draws.
"It's important that we start the game well, and show hunger. We've got players who can fight, we know what the likes of Isa (Halim), Hariss (Harun) and Baihakki (Khaizan) are capable of," said Sundram.
"Even Shahril (Ishak), who may appear quiet, can spring up and give us a goal."
The LionsXII will be without the defensive trio of Sevki Sha'ban (knee injury), Safuwan Baharudin and Irwan Shah (both suspended), but Sundram has faith in their replacements. Juma'at Jantan is set to reclaim his right-back position from Irwan, while 23-year-old Abdil Qaiyyim will deputise for Safuwan.
Abdil, a 1.82m-tall no-nonsense defender who rose from the National Football Academy under-18 side to join the Courts Young Lions in the S-League, may prove to be the LionsXII ace in the pack - with his knack of scoring from set-pieces.
Sundram, who knows the player well having coached both sides before, said: "Abdil will do well, and I know that with our boys we can get the job done."
- TODAY
V. Sundramoorthy's LionsXII stared elimination in the face, and turned in a ferocious performance - worthy of their name - to beat Pahang and advance to the semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup.
Now, Sundram has called for his charges to show the same grit and gumption when they face Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) in the second leg semi-final fixture in Selayang on Thursday night.
The LionsXII only managed a 1-1 draw with ATM in the first leg played at Jalan Besar, giving the champions of the second-tier Malaysian Premier League the advantage on the away goals rule, but Sundram is confident his charges can rise to the challenge again.
"The boys have done well in away games in the MSL (Malaysian Super League) and they showed that they can fight against Pahang. They all understand their roles and responsibilities, and what I want them to show is fighting spirit," said the 47-year-old.
In the past year, the LionsXII have assembled an impressive away record.
They have defeated defending Malaysia Cup champions Negeri Sembilan and title chasers Terengganu on their travels, along with Sabah, Perak, Sarawak, Johor FC and Felda United, winning seven games, losing three times, with three draws.
"It's important that we start the game well, and show hunger. We've got players who can fight, we know what the likes of Isa (Halim), Hariss (Harun) and Baihakki (Khaizan) are capable of," said Sundram.
"Even Shahril (Ishak), who may appear quiet, can spring up and give us a goal."
The LionsXII will be without the defensive trio of Sevki Sha'ban (knee injury), Safuwan Baharudin and Irwan Shah (both suspended), but Sundram has faith in their replacements. Juma'at Jantan is set to reclaim his right-back position from Irwan, while 23-year-old Abdil Qaiyyim will deputise for Safuwan.
Abdil, a 1.82m-tall no-nonsense defender who rose from the National Football Academy under-18 side to join the Courts Young Lions in the S-League, may prove to be the LionsXII ace in the pack - with his knack of scoring from set-pieces.
Sundram, who knows the player well having coached both sides before, said: "Abdil will do well, and I know that with our boys we can get the job done."
- TODAY
SingTel secures BPL rights for 3 more seasons
SingTel secures BPL broadcasts rights for 3 more seasons
SingTel on Wednesday announced that it has secured the broadcast rights to all 380 Barclays Premier League (BPL) matches for the next three seasons commencing August next year.
These rights were acquired on a non-exclusive basis, meaning that SingTel is not obliged to share the content with their competitors.
Mr Allen Lew, SingTel's country chief officer (Singapore) and CEO of Group Digital L!fe, said: "We are delighted to bring all the BPL matches 'live' to Singapore for another three seasons.
"Along with our recent acquisition of the rights to the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, FA Cup, Serie A, Ligue 1 and other prominent football tournaments, fans can be assured of SingTel's strong commitment to deliver the most comprehensive football experience on mio TV, the home of football."
The matches will continue to be available online on miostadium.com and on mobile via SingTel's BPL application.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "mio Stadium has provided Singapore fans with great local programming and coverage of the Barclays Premier League action in a comprehensive and innovative manner. We are pleased to be continuing our partnership with SingTel for another three seasons."
In response to SingTel's announcement, StarHub issued a statement saying: "We are surprised that FA Premier League (FAPL) did not conduct a tender for Singapore, departing from all past practice. We will be seeking clarification from FAPL before deciding on our next course of action. We will be keen to acquire the BPL only if the price is right."
- TODAY
SingTel on Wednesday announced that it has secured the broadcast rights to all 380 Barclays Premier League (BPL) matches for the next three seasons commencing August next year.
These rights were acquired on a non-exclusive basis, meaning that SingTel is not obliged to share the content with their competitors.
Mr Allen Lew, SingTel's country chief officer (Singapore) and CEO of Group Digital L!fe, said: "We are delighted to bring all the BPL matches 'live' to Singapore for another three seasons.
"Along with our recent acquisition of the rights to the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, FA Cup, Serie A, Ligue 1 and other prominent football tournaments, fans can be assured of SingTel's strong commitment to deliver the most comprehensive football experience on mio TV, the home of football."
The matches will continue to be available online on miostadium.com and on mobile via SingTel's BPL application.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "mio Stadium has provided Singapore fans with great local programming and coverage of the Barclays Premier League action in a comprehensive and innovative manner. We are pleased to be continuing our partnership with SingTel for another three seasons."
In response to SingTel's announcement, StarHub issued a statement saying: "We are surprised that FA Premier League (FAPL) did not conduct a tender for Singapore, departing from all past practice. We will be seeking clarification from FAPL before deciding on our next course of action. We will be keen to acquire the BPL only if the price is right."
- TODAY
New format for S-League next year
New format for S-League next year
The Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League will kick off on Feb 12 next year with a familiar feel provided by the same 13 teams that competed in this year's edition of the tournament. However, it will have an unconventional twist near the end.
After all the teams face one another other home and away, the league will be split into two competitions.
One of them will feature the top seven sides who will face off in a mini-league to determine the S-League champions. The other mini-league will see the bottom six sides jostling among themselves for final standing.
S-League chief executive Lim Chin confirmed the amendments to the format after speaking at a two-hour S-League club chairmen's meeting on Monday night.
He said: "S-League 2013 is starting to take shape, the league format has been decided … and the fitness test is also more or less decided.
"We will be making formal announcements in two weeks when we get final approval for subsidies for clubs to sign marquee players next year. But there is some good news: The funding (request) is already being processed."
Details on the marquee player scheme, however, were still unavailable. Nor was the S-League able to confirm the fact that it will allow clubs to sign five other foreign players up from the current four.
However, Lim has confirmed that, in place of the mandatory Beep Test, footballers will now have to pass a 2.4km running test to be able to play in the league.
TODAY understands that there will be various passing grades for outfield S-League players (10 minutes 15 seconds), Prime League players (10:45) and goalkeepers (12:00), Lim revealed that there will be a monetary incentive offered to those who surpass expectations but declined to give more details.
The S-League has seen crowd numbers dwindle in recent years.
Average attendance also hit an all-time low of 932 at the half-way mark of the season this year. These changes are aimed at breathing life back into the 17-year-old league.
The format modifications will see clubs now play either 28 or 29 games in the S-League season, up from 24 this year. And while the longer season is a change welcomed by many club officials TODAY spoke to, there were some who took issue with the unconventional league format.
A club official, who declined to be named, summed up reservations about the changes when he said: "Part of the beauty of football is having the possibility of smaller teams beating the bigger teams who are gunning for the title. This format removes that part of the excitement in the run-in to the title. Also, who would want to go watch the bottom few teams play against one another in their own mini-league?"
While some feel the marquee player scheme could help to draw the fans, TODAY understands that the football authorities are discussing the possibility of bringing in younger players - those who have fallen out of the top leagues, for example - instead of bigger names who are past their prime, in a bid to ensure higher quality football and, with that, bigger crowds at S-League stadiums. - TODAY
The Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League will kick off on Feb 12 next year with a familiar feel provided by the same 13 teams that competed in this year's edition of the tournament. However, it will have an unconventional twist near the end.
After all the teams face one another other home and away, the league will be split into two competitions.
One of them will feature the top seven sides who will face off in a mini-league to determine the S-League champions. The other mini-league will see the bottom six sides jostling among themselves for final standing.
S-League chief executive Lim Chin confirmed the amendments to the format after speaking at a two-hour S-League club chairmen's meeting on Monday night.
He said: "S-League 2013 is starting to take shape, the league format has been decided … and the fitness test is also more or less decided.
"We will be making formal announcements in two weeks when we get final approval for subsidies for clubs to sign marquee players next year. But there is some good news: The funding (request) is already being processed."
Details on the marquee player scheme, however, were still unavailable. Nor was the S-League able to confirm the fact that it will allow clubs to sign five other foreign players up from the current four.
However, Lim has confirmed that, in place of the mandatory Beep Test, footballers will now have to pass a 2.4km running test to be able to play in the league.
TODAY understands that there will be various passing grades for outfield S-League players (10 minutes 15 seconds), Prime League players (10:45) and goalkeepers (12:00), Lim revealed that there will be a monetary incentive offered to those who surpass expectations but declined to give more details.
The S-League has seen crowd numbers dwindle in recent years.
Average attendance also hit an all-time low of 932 at the half-way mark of the season this year. These changes are aimed at breathing life back into the 17-year-old league.
The format modifications will see clubs now play either 28 or 29 games in the S-League season, up from 24 this year. And while the longer season is a change welcomed by many club officials TODAY spoke to, there were some who took issue with the unconventional league format.
A club official, who declined to be named, summed up reservations about the changes when he said: "Part of the beauty of football is having the possibility of smaller teams beating the bigger teams who are gunning for the title. This format removes that part of the excitement in the run-in to the title. Also, who would want to go watch the bottom few teams play against one another in their own mini-league?"
While some feel the marquee player scheme could help to draw the fans, TODAY understands that the football authorities are discussing the possibility of bringing in younger players - those who have fallen out of the top leagues, for example - instead of bigger names who are past their prime, in a bid to ensure higher quality football and, with that, bigger crowds at S-League stadiums. - TODAY
Lions to face Jordan again in Asian Cup
Lions to face Jordan again in Asian Cup qualifiers
Almost three years ago, Singapore's dream of qualifying for the Asian Cup was snuffed out by a 2-1 loss to Jordan at the King Abdullah Stadium. Come February, the Lions will begin their qualifying campaign for Asia's top football tournament against the same opponents.
The draw for the qualifying tournament for the 2015 Asian Cup was held in Melbourne on Tuesday, with Singapore thrown into Group A alongside Jordan, Syria and Oman. The Republic will kick off their qualification quest on Feb 6.
The tournament proper will be hosted by Australia in 2015.
"It's a tough group and we mustn't forget that the national team is going through a transition period now, with a lot of senior players having left the team," said Lions midfielder Hariss Harun, who was the youngest player in Radojko Avramovic's Lions side at 19 when he took to the pitch in Amman on that fateful day.
A draw would've seen the Lions qualify for the Asian Cup.
Singapore are easing into their preparations for the year-end Suzuki Cup and will face India next Tuesday in a friendly match. After a fiery encounter - and a post-match altercation - at the National Stadium in January 2009 that Singapore won 2-1, the Jordanians promised a hostile reception in Amman. While Hariss remembers the intimidation, he believes it is all water under the bridge.
"That was almost three years ago and Jordan managed to progress into the Asian Cup proper last year. I'm sure qualification will be foremost on their minds this time round - and ours too," he said.
Jordan did not just make up the numbers at the 2011 Doha tournament. They went as far as the quarter-finals, where they fell 2-1 to Uzbekistan.
In contrast, Singapore has never qualified for Asia's top football tournament. The Republic did play in the 1984 edition because they hosted the competition but crashed out at the group stage. - TODAY
Almost three years ago, Singapore's dream of qualifying for the Asian Cup was snuffed out by a 2-1 loss to Jordan at the King Abdullah Stadium. Come February, the Lions will begin their qualifying campaign for Asia's top football tournament against the same opponents.
The draw for the qualifying tournament for the 2015 Asian Cup was held in Melbourne on Tuesday, with Singapore thrown into Group A alongside Jordan, Syria and Oman. The Republic will kick off their qualification quest on Feb 6.
The tournament proper will be hosted by Australia in 2015.
"It's a tough group and we mustn't forget that the national team is going through a transition period now, with a lot of senior players having left the team," said Lions midfielder Hariss Harun, who was the youngest player in Radojko Avramovic's Lions side at 19 when he took to the pitch in Amman on that fateful day.
A draw would've seen the Lions qualify for the Asian Cup.
Singapore are easing into their preparations for the year-end Suzuki Cup and will face India next Tuesday in a friendly match. After a fiery encounter - and a post-match altercation - at the National Stadium in January 2009 that Singapore won 2-1, the Jordanians promised a hostile reception in Amman. While Hariss remembers the intimidation, he believes it is all water under the bridge.
"That was almost three years ago and Jordan managed to progress into the Asian Cup proper last year. I'm sure qualification will be foremost on their minds this time round - and ours too," he said.
Jordan did not just make up the numbers at the 2011 Doha tournament. They went as far as the quarter-finals, where they fell 2-1 to Uzbekistan.
In contrast, Singapore has never qualified for Asia's top football tournament. The Republic did play in the 1984 edition because they hosted the competition but crashed out at the group stage. - TODAY
LionsXII prepare to face ATM
LionsXII prepare to face ATM
Singapore's LionsXII face a make-or-break match in the second leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-finals on Thursday, 8.45pm.
They are level one all against Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) FA after the first leg.
And the decider will be played at Selangor's Selayang Stadium.
Singapore's LionsXII coach V Sundramoorthy is facing problems with his defence.
Safuwan Baharudin and Irwan Shah are both suspended.
Sundramoorthy explained why the Lions won't be training in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the match.
He said: "The whole season we've been training at Singapore before we depart to a match, especially an away game. So I don't want to change anything. I want to train at home and go away. And we have our travelling constraints with the boys in National Service."
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Singapore's LionsXII face a make-or-break match in the second leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-finals on Thursday, 8.45pm.
They are level one all against Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) FA after the first leg.
And the decider will be played at Selangor's Selayang Stadium.
Singapore's LionsXII coach V Sundramoorthy is facing problems with his defence.
Safuwan Baharudin and Irwan Shah are both suspended.
Sundramoorthy explained why the Lions won't be training in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the match.
He said: "The whole season we've been training at Singapore before we depart to a match, especially an away game. So I don't want to change anything. I want to train at home and go away. And we have our travelling constraints with the boys in National Service."
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年9月28日星期五
2012年8月26日星期日
2012年6月27日星期三
2012年6月3日星期日
狮城男子被控贿赂马国裁判
马超吹“黑哨”案 狮城男子被控贿赂马国裁判
锡瓦拉惹被控后表示要抗辩。（图／海峡时报）
继一名马来西亚籍裁判上星期被控受贿操纵马来西亚超级足球联赛后，贪污调查局前天将涉嫌贿赂他的男子也控上法庭。
被告锡瓦拉惹（Selvarajan S/O Letchuman）面控时神情镇定，代表律师狄瓦利表示，辩方不打算向总检察署陈情，准备抗辩。
法官案展本月28日进行审前会议，准被告以5万元保释。
《联合早报》
2012年5月25日星期五
47岁裁判被控串谋操纵马超
接受6081元贿金 47岁裁判被控串谋操纵马超
12狮前晚在惹兰勿刹体育场，对垒砂拉越的球赛中，以3比0获胜。（图／档案照）
两天前未上场就被撤换，47岁裁判今早被控，与另一名男子串谋，以6000元新币操纵马超球赛。
47岁的舒克利（Shokri Bin Nor），涉嫌和前足球员丹纳（Thana Segar S Sinnaiah，38岁），操纵星期二晚上12狮对垒砂拉越球队的一场球赛。
两人都来自马国，今天各面对一项控状，一起被控上庭。据控状显示，他们今年5月19日（上个星期六）晚上10时，在槟城的一间酒店里，串谋讲好接受
1万5000元马币（大约6081元新元），作为协助操纵前天12狮对垒砂拉越那场球赛的贿金，由舒克利负责担任该球赛的裁判。
砂拉越主帅：想知谁是幕后操手；Kelong King朋友或涉案。
《新明日报》
Friendly matches for national team
1st June Hong Kong vs Singapore (HK Stadium)
8th June Singapore vs Malaysia (Jalan Besar Stadium)
12th June Malaysia vs Singapore (Shah Alam Stadium)
15th Aug Singapore vs Hong Kong (Jalan Besar Stadium)
2012年5月13日星期日
2012年5月7日星期一
2韩前球员诱踢假球 守门员拒收贿揭真相
2韩前球员诱踢假球 守门员拒收贿揭真相
芽笼联队守门员雅吉（图／档案照）
拒收6000元贿赂，芽笼联队守门员向当局揭发真相，导致两名韩籍前球员落网，获得足球总会的表扬。
芽笼联队守门员雅吉，对前队员金在鸿的贿赂完全不动心。
对方先给他4000元，事成后再比他2000元。
他说：“我从来都没有动摇过。我在新加坡联赛里踢了那么多年的球，每年都有参加防止贪污的演讲。我清楚明白自己应该做些什么东西。”
“我所做的一切（向芽笼联队揭发真相），都是按照条规做的。
我只想要尽快摆脱这起事件，重新专心于足球上。
《联合晚报》
芽笼联队2前球员被控 贿赂3队友踢假球
芽笼联队2前球员被控 贿赂3队友踢假球
金在鸿被指以4000元，贿赂芽笼联队的守门员莫哈默雅吉。（图／档案照）
芽笼联队两名韩国籍前球员，涉嫌在前天以1万1000元，贿赂3名前同队队友，包括两个球员和一个守门员，今早被控上法庭。
韩国籍前球员全炳旭（24岁）和金在鸿（27岁），曾是芽笼联队的球员。
他们被指贿赂前队友，要他们在昨晚的新加坡职业足球联赛中，故意输给马来西亚幼虎队，结果惹上官司。
金在鸿和全炳旭目前遭还押，两人今早都表示要认罪。
2012年4月21日星期六
Singapore tycoon withdraws Rangers bid
Football: Singapore tycoon withdraws Rangers bid
Singapore businessman Bill Ng scrapped his 20 million pounds (US$31.7 million) attempt to take over crisis-hit Scottish football club Glasgow Rangers Friday, citing concerns over the bidding process.
"Recent developments in the bidding process, with unwarranted and unexplained delays, have prompted our withdrawal from the bidding process," Ng said in a statement.
"After lengthy negotiations with a number of key stakeholders, we have serious concerns over the deliverability of the shares on offer to gain control of the club."
Ng said his consortium had become "increasingly uncomfortable and frustrated" with dealing with administrators Duff and Phelps, and "noted the ever-increasing uncertainties and complexities in the bidding process".
The "situation has made the bidding process untenable" and there are "great uncertainties," he said.
However, Ng also said he may relaunch his bid if the administrators failed to reach an agreement with other buyers.
A consortium fronted by former Rangers director Paul Murray stepped aside late Monday, but American businessman Bill Miller remains in the running for the 140-year-old club, according to reports.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Singapore businessman Bill Ng scrapped his 20 million pounds (US$31.7 million) attempt to take over crisis-hit Scottish football club Glasgow Rangers Friday, citing concerns over the bidding process.
"Recent developments in the bidding process, with unwarranted and unexplained delays, have prompted our withdrawal from the bidding process," Ng said in a statement.
"After lengthy negotiations with a number of key stakeholders, we have serious concerns over the deliverability of the shares on offer to gain control of the club."
Ng said his consortium had become "increasingly uncomfortable and frustrated" with dealing with administrators Duff and Phelps, and "noted the ever-increasing uncertainties and complexities in the bidding process".
The "situation has made the bidding process untenable" and there are "great uncertainties," he said.
However, Ng also said he may relaunch his bid if the administrators failed to reach an agreement with other buyers.
A consortium fronted by former Rangers director Paul Murray stepped aside late Monday, but American businessman Bill Miller remains in the running for the 140-year-old club, according to reports.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年4月14日星期六
Lion City Cup returns with stronger teams
Canon Lion City Cup returns with stronger teams
The Canon Lion City Cup, an international youth football tournament which was a hit with fans last year, returns with stronger teams this year.
While defending champions Flamengo from Brazil are not participating, the new line-up includes the likes of Manchester City, representing England, Ajax Amsterdam from the Netherlands, Portugal's FC Porto and Argentina's Boca Juniors representing South America. Like last year, hosts Singapore will have two teams - the Under-15 and Under-16.
The format of the week-long event in June has also been tweaked. Each half will now be 40 minutes instead of 45, and five substitutions will be allowed instead of the usual three. Mr Andrew Koh, Senior Director and General Manager of Canon Singapore, said: "You can see how sports can unite the nation or unite a country. We hope the same will happen in June and we are looking forward to some moments of magic again."
The title sponsor is also making a longer commitment till 2013, in a drive to promote youth sports in all areas. Mr Koh adds: "We also use this as a channel for us to promote photography, sports photography among the youths too. And that's what we did last year and this year.
We are going to extend it further to talent hunt and search for good sports photographers, and to give them the opportunity to shoot the live matches, and to get these photographs featured in the local newspapers."
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
The Canon Lion City Cup, an international youth football tournament which was a hit with fans last year, returns with stronger teams this year.
While defending champions Flamengo from Brazil are not participating, the new line-up includes the likes of Manchester City, representing England, Ajax Amsterdam from the Netherlands, Portugal's FC Porto and Argentina's Boca Juniors representing South America. Like last year, hosts Singapore will have two teams - the Under-15 and Under-16.
The format of the week-long event in June has also been tweaked. Each half will now be 40 minutes instead of 45, and five substitutions will be allowed instead of the usual three. Mr Andrew Koh, Senior Director and General Manager of Canon Singapore, said: "You can see how sports can unite the nation or unite a country. We hope the same will happen in June and we are looking forward to some moments of magic again."
The title sponsor is also making a longer commitment till 2013, in a drive to promote youth sports in all areas. Mr Koh adds: "We also use this as a channel for us to promote photography, sports photography among the youths too. And that's what we did last year and this year.
We are going to extend it further to talent hunt and search for good sports photographers, and to give them the opportunity to shoot the live matches, and to get these photographs featured in the local newspapers."
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
PKNS end LionsXII's unbeaten run
Football: PKNS end LionsXII's unbeaten run
League leaders LionsXII's 10-match unbeaten streak ended on Saturday night after a 1-0 defeat to PKNS.
The match was the LionsXII's 11th game in the last five weeks and, perhaps sensing that lethargy was creeping into the visitors' play, PKNS pressed forward from the kick-off.
Nevertheless, the Singapore side were superbly marshalled at the back, with Sevki Sha'ban and Safuwan Baharudin resolutely repelling everything the hosts threw at them. Sevki, in particular, was impressive, making several crucial goal mouth clearances to prevent a lively PKNS side from opening the scoring.
LionsXII captain Shahril Ishak was deployed as a lone striker and he hardly had a sniff at goal, with PKNS flooding the middle of the park to starve him of service.
The visitors were on the back foot for most of the first half as PKNS pressed incessantly, but the hosts just could not convert their chances.
Shahril wasted the LionsXII's best chance of the match right after the restart when he shot just wide of the PKNS goal.
The home side's French striker Michael Nicoise was a constant threat with his powerful bursts into the penalty area and he made sure LionsXII goalkeeper Hyrulnizam Juma'at had a busy night.
The Frenchman finally broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when he headed home from a corner, with Hyrulnizam furiously protesting the goal, claiming that he was impeded by Mohd Helmi.
The LionsXII came agonisingly close to equalising in the 84th minute, Agu Casmir charging into the penalty area only to collide with the PKNS goalkeeper who dived at his feet. Agu got hold of the ball following the collision but his shot was deflected wide by a PKNS defender.
The LionsXII will not have to wait long to gain a measure of revenge for this defeat: Their next MSL fixture pits them against PKNS again on April 17 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
League leaders LionsXII's 10-match unbeaten streak ended on Saturday night after a 1-0 defeat to PKNS.
The match was the LionsXII's 11th game in the last five weeks and, perhaps sensing that lethargy was creeping into the visitors' play, PKNS pressed forward from the kick-off.
Nevertheless, the Singapore side were superbly marshalled at the back, with Sevki Sha'ban and Safuwan Baharudin resolutely repelling everything the hosts threw at them. Sevki, in particular, was impressive, making several crucial goal mouth clearances to prevent a lively PKNS side from opening the scoring.
LionsXII captain Shahril Ishak was deployed as a lone striker and he hardly had a sniff at goal, with PKNS flooding the middle of the park to starve him of service.
The visitors were on the back foot for most of the first half as PKNS pressed incessantly, but the hosts just could not convert their chances.
Shahril wasted the LionsXII's best chance of the match right after the restart when he shot just wide of the PKNS goal.
The home side's French striker Michael Nicoise was a constant threat with his powerful bursts into the penalty area and he made sure LionsXII goalkeeper Hyrulnizam Juma'at had a busy night.
The Frenchman finally broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when he headed home from a corner, with Hyrulnizam furiously protesting the goal, claiming that he was impeded by Mohd Helmi.
The LionsXII came agonisingly close to equalising in the 84th minute, Agu Casmir charging into the penalty area only to collide with the PKNS goalkeeper who dived at his feet. Agu got hold of the ball following the collision but his shot was deflected wide by a PKNS defender.
The LionsXII will not have to wait long to gain a measure of revenge for this defeat: Their next MSL fixture pits them against PKNS again on April 17 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年4月10日星期二
Euro Cup 2012 watch for FREE
ntv7 (Johor Bahru) - UHF channel 42, 639.25MHz
TV3 (Johor Bahru) - UHF Ch 26, 511.25 MHz
RCTI (Batam) - UHF Ch 43, 647.25 MHz
Euro 2012 Groupings 小组赛
courtesy of wikipedia
608 -> 701
Group A组
Czech Republic 捷克
Greece 希腊
Poland 波兰
Russia 俄罗斯
Group B组
Denmark 丹麦
Germany 德国
Netherlands 荷兰
Portugal 葡萄牙
Group C组
Croatia 克罗地亚
Italy 意大利
Ireland 爱尔兰
Spain 西班牙
Group D组
England 英格兰
France 法国
Sweden 瑞典
Ukrain 乌克兰
2012年3月21日星期三
Ex-S.League coach questioned by CPIB
Ex-S.League coach David O'Connor questioned by CPIB
SINGAPORE: Former S.League coach David O'Connor has been questioned by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) on his book about Singapore football.
Publisher Marshall Cavendish confirmed this to Channel NewsAsia on Tuesday.
The book is entitled "Putting The Boot In: Surviving Singapore and the S.League".
In the book, the 61-year-old Australian talks about match-fixing or "kelong" during his coaching stint at Gombak United.
While claiming he declined offers from a bookie and reported the matter to the S.League, O'Connor admits receiving monetary "gifts" from a friend, who betted on Gombak United's games based on information given by him.
The book, which went on sale 10 days ago, also touches on O'Connor's multiple sexual exploits and alcoholism, following his sacking from Gombak United for a season, in 1999.
O'Connor, who arrived in Singapore on Monday to promote the book, could not be reached for comment.
Publisher Marshall Cavendish said O'Connor has left the CPIB office, but it did not not want to say more on the issue.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
SINGAPORE: Former S.League coach David O'Connor has been questioned by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) on his book about Singapore football.
Publisher Marshall Cavendish confirmed this to Channel NewsAsia on Tuesday.
The book is entitled "Putting The Boot In: Surviving Singapore and the S.League".
In the book, the 61-year-old Australian talks about match-fixing or "kelong" during his coaching stint at Gombak United.
While claiming he declined offers from a bookie and reported the matter to the S.League, O'Connor admits receiving monetary "gifts" from a friend, who betted on Gombak United's games based on information given by him.
The book, which went on sale 10 days ago, also touches on O'Connor's multiple sexual exploits and alcoholism, following his sacking from Gombak United for a season, in 1999.
O'Connor, who arrived in Singapore on Monday to promote the book, could not be reached for comment.
Publisher Marshall Cavendish said O'Connor has left the CPIB office, but it did not not want to say more on the issue.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年3月8日星期四
LIONSXII vs Negeri Sembilan Betaria FC
Ticket sales for FA Cup match - LIONSXII vs Negeri Sembilan Betaria FC
The pre-match ticket sales for the FA Cup match between LIONSXII and Negeri Sembilan Betaria FC (10 March 2012) will continue tomorrow, 9 March 2012 from 10am to 8pm.
Kindly note that concession tickets for the match have been sold out and only 50% of tickets remain available after our initial pre-match sales period.
Fans are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets early to avoid any disappointment.
~News courtesy of LionsXII.sg~
The pre-match ticket sales for the FA Cup match between LIONSXII and Negeri Sembilan Betaria FC (10 March 2012) will continue tomorrow, 9 March 2012 from 10am to 8pm.
Kindly note that concession tickets for the match have been sold out and only 50% of tickets remain available after our initial pre-match sales period.
Fans are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets early to avoid any disappointment.
~News courtesy of LionsXII.sg~
2012年3月6日星期二
2012年3月5日星期一
2012年3月4日星期日
Offside Futsal Park opens under Thomson Flyover
Offside Futsal Park opens under Thomson Flyover
Football enthusiasts can now play futsal, or indoor soccer, under the Thomson Flyover.
This is the first time a vacant land parcel under a flyover has been made available for commercial use.
The new Offside Futsal Park sits on the former site of Whitley Hawker Centre.
It is a pilot project by the Singapore Land Authority to see how more of such land can be put to better use.
The park cost about half a million dollars and took four weeks to build.
Each of the four futsal courts can be rented by the hour at the rate S$60 to S$90.
Peak-hour rate is S$90.
Developers of the park said they are hoping to build refreshment and shower facilities on-site.
They also said they believe the park's street-feel and location will appeal to football enthusiasts.
Derek Cheong, director, Business Development, Offside Futsal Pak, said: "Singapore is a land-scarce location, so it's good to increase the land utility under flyovers. So we chanced upon this, and since demand is really huge in Singapore for futsal, for soccer basically, so we thought it's a good chance for us to go into the business and meet these demands."
Thomas Jacques, footballer, Singapore Soccer Academy, said: "I like that it's underneath a bridge. I'll probably come back with my team, or I'll come back to have a kick around."
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Football enthusiasts can now play futsal, or indoor soccer, under the Thomson Flyover.
This is the first time a vacant land parcel under a flyover has been made available for commercial use.
The new Offside Futsal Park sits on the former site of Whitley Hawker Centre.
It is a pilot project by the Singapore Land Authority to see how more of such land can be put to better use.
The park cost about half a million dollars and took four weeks to build.
Each of the four futsal courts can be rented by the hour at the rate S$60 to S$90.
Peak-hour rate is S$90.
Developers of the park said they are hoping to build refreshment and shower facilities on-site.
They also said they believe the park's street-feel and location will appeal to football enthusiasts.
Derek Cheong, director, Business Development, Offside Futsal Pak, said: "Singapore is a land-scarce location, so it's good to increase the land utility under flyovers. So we chanced upon this, and since demand is really huge in Singapore for futsal, for soccer basically, so we thought it's a good chance for us to go into the business and meet these demands."
Thomas Jacques, footballer, Singapore Soccer Academy, said: "I like that it's underneath a bridge. I'll probably come back with my team, or I'll come back to have a kick around."
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年2月16日星期四
LIONSXII midfielder suspended till further notice
LIONSXII midfielder suspended till further notice
Football Association of Singapore have suspended LIONSXII's midfielder, Firdaus Kasman from all football activities with immediate effect for breaches of the provisions of the Code of Conduct & Professional Ethics.
According to Firdaus Kasman, his fiancé, his childhood friend and he had gone to Clarke Quay to celebrate his belated birthday on 4th February 2012. He had some drinks and felt high and also felt like vomiting. His childhood friend helped him to the toilet. Before doing so, his childhood friend picked up a lady handbag thinking that it belonged to his fiancé. Unfortunately it was not his fiance's. Firdaus and his childhood friend were detained by the police for investigation and that accounted for his absence from training on 5th February 2012. The police is continuing with their investigation. Firdaus denies any involvement in any offence. As the police is investigating it is inappropriate for FAS to make further comment on the matter.
However, FAS is suspending Firdaus on the ground that he had breached the Code of Conduct & Professional Ethics which, inter alia, specifically prohibits the consumption of alcohol at any time. The consumption of alcohol to the extent that his friend was required to assist him to the toilet to vomit was a conduct which brings negative publicity, embarrassment or disrepute to FAS and has tarnished and disparaged the image of Singapore and FAS.
The appropriate internal investigation will be carried out with a view to convene a Disciplinary Inquiry against Firdaus.
FAS Quote
"FAS is of the unwavering view that the irresponsible conduct of Firdaus cannot be tolerated. There is absolutely no compromise for the exemplary conduct of players and officials who are contracted to FAS and playing for the LIONSXII team.
"We will not hesitate to take appropriate action if any player is found guilty of breaching the team's code of conduct. Firdaus will be suspended from all football activities for breaching LIONSXII Code of Conduct Section 1b, 1d and 8f until the FAS Disciplinary Committee convenes and its members deliberate on the matter and decide on the appropriate action to be taken.
"We understand that Firdaus is now assisting the police in the investigation of an alleged offence and we will await the conclusion of the case. Firdaus has informed us that he is not involved in the alleged offence and he assured us that he will cooperate fully with the authorities during the investigation. However, should Firdaus be found guilty of the alleged offence, we will subsequently decide on what further action to be taken including termination of his contract."
Quote from Firdaus Kasman
"I would like to apologise sincerely to the Football Association of Singapore, the coaches and players of the LionsXII, my fans, family and loved ones for breaching the Football Association of Singapore Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics for LionsXII players. I deeply regret my action and I will accept the punishment meted out by the FAS Disciplinary Committee.
"As for the alleged offence, the case is currently under investigation and I am unable to make any comment. I will however like to add that I did not engage in any act which constitutes an offence. I will cooperate fully with the authorities in this matter and I am confident that the true facts of the case will be established soon."
~News courtesy of LionsXII.sg~
Football Association of Singapore have suspended LIONSXII's midfielder, Firdaus Kasman from all football activities with immediate effect for breaches of the provisions of the Code of Conduct & Professional Ethics.
According to Firdaus Kasman, his fiancé, his childhood friend and he had gone to Clarke Quay to celebrate his belated birthday on 4th February 2012. He had some drinks and felt high and also felt like vomiting. His childhood friend helped him to the toilet. Before doing so, his childhood friend picked up a lady handbag thinking that it belonged to his fiancé. Unfortunately it was not his fiance's. Firdaus and his childhood friend were detained by the police for investigation and that accounted for his absence from training on 5th February 2012. The police is continuing with their investigation. Firdaus denies any involvement in any offence. As the police is investigating it is inappropriate for FAS to make further comment on the matter.
However, FAS is suspending Firdaus on the ground that he had breached the Code of Conduct & Professional Ethics which, inter alia, specifically prohibits the consumption of alcohol at any time. The consumption of alcohol to the extent that his friend was required to assist him to the toilet to vomit was a conduct which brings negative publicity, embarrassment or disrepute to FAS and has tarnished and disparaged the image of Singapore and FAS.
The appropriate internal investigation will be carried out with a view to convene a Disciplinary Inquiry against Firdaus.
FAS Quote
"FAS is of the unwavering view that the irresponsible conduct of Firdaus cannot be tolerated. There is absolutely no compromise for the exemplary conduct of players and officials who are contracted to FAS and playing for the LIONSXII team.
"We will not hesitate to take appropriate action if any player is found guilty of breaching the team's code of conduct. Firdaus will be suspended from all football activities for breaching LIONSXII Code of Conduct Section 1b, 1d and 8f until the FAS Disciplinary Committee convenes and its members deliberate on the matter and decide on the appropriate action to be taken.
"We understand that Firdaus is now assisting the police in the investigation of an alleged offence and we will await the conclusion of the case. Firdaus has informed us that he is not involved in the alleged offence and he assured us that he will cooperate fully with the authorities during the investigation. However, should Firdaus be found guilty of the alleged offence, we will subsequently decide on what further action to be taken including termination of his contract."
Quote from Firdaus Kasman
"I would like to apologise sincerely to the Football Association of Singapore, the coaches and players of the LionsXII, my fans, family and loved ones for breaching the Football Association of Singapore Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics for LionsXII players. I deeply regret my action and I will accept the punishment meted out by the FAS Disciplinary Committee.
"As for the alleged offence, the case is currently under investigation and I am unable to make any comment. I will however like to add that I did not engage in any act which constitutes an offence. I will cooperate fully with the authorities in this matter and I am confident that the true facts of the case will be established soon."
~News courtesy of LionsXII.sg~
2012年2月9日星期四
LionsXII and Selangor draw 1-1
LionsXII and Selangor draw 1-1
Selangor and Singapore's LionsXII drew 1-1 in a Malaysian Super League match at Bukit Jalil Stadium on Wednesday.
Only some 200 Singapore fans made the trip to Malaysia to watch the away match.
They were rewarded when Shahril Ishak's solo effort in the 43rd minute gave the visitors the lead.
But the advantage was not for long, as the home team's G Gurusamy equalised two minutes later.
The second half was devoid of any goals and the match ended at 1-1, with both sides sharing a point.
LionsXII next host Negeri Sembilan at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore on Saturday(11 February). The match would be telecast live on Channel 5.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Selangor and Singapore's LionsXII drew 1-1 in a Malaysian Super League match at Bukit Jalil Stadium on Wednesday.
Only some 200 Singapore fans made the trip to Malaysia to watch the away match.
They were rewarded when Shahril Ishak's solo effort in the 43rd minute gave the visitors the lead.
But the advantage was not for long, as the home team's G Gurusamy equalised two minutes later.
The second half was devoid of any goals and the match ended at 1-1, with both sides sharing a point.
LionsXII next host Negeri Sembilan at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore on Saturday(11 February). The match would be telecast live on Channel 5.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年2月8日星期三
SLeague on StarHub and ESPN
SLeague teams with StarHub and ESPN to broadcast matches live
The S-League has inked a one-year deal with StarHub and ESPN Star Sports to broadcast matches of the 2012 Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League season.
The deal will see 30 matches telecast "live" on StarHub TV Channel 112 and 201 every Thursday at 7.30 pm, starting with a 15-minute preview show before kick-off.
Of these, 26 are from the S-League, and the remaining four from the Starhub League Cup.
The first "live" match will be Thursday's opening S-League match between Gombak United and Harimau Muda of Malaysia at the Jalan Besar Stadium at 7.30pm.
Fans can view the games on StarHub's TV, online and mobile platforms.
The collaboration is part of S-League Version 2.0 to improve Singapore's premier domestic football competition, which will also see the S-League matches shown "live" overseas in Malaysia and Brunei, which S-League CEO Lim Chin believes will boost the S-League's regional appeal.
ESPN Star Sports will also broadcast a 30-minute highlight show across major STAR Sports networks covering 12 countries every Monday at 10pm from Feb 13.
The highights show will also be shown on StarHub, as well as on Astro Arena in Malaysia and Brunei.
~News courtesy of Today~
The S-League has inked a one-year deal with StarHub and ESPN Star Sports to broadcast matches of the 2012 Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League season.
The deal will see 30 matches telecast "live" on StarHub TV Channel 112 and 201 every Thursday at 7.30 pm, starting with a 15-minute preview show before kick-off.
Of these, 26 are from the S-League, and the remaining four from the Starhub League Cup.
The first "live" match will be Thursday's opening S-League match between Gombak United and Harimau Muda of Malaysia at the Jalan Besar Stadium at 7.30pm.
Fans can view the games on StarHub's TV, online and mobile platforms.
The collaboration is part of S-League Version 2.0 to improve Singapore's premier domestic football competition, which will also see the S-League matches shown "live" overseas in Malaysia and Brunei, which S-League CEO Lim Chin believes will boost the S-League's regional appeal.
ESPN Star Sports will also broadcast a 30-minute highlight show across major STAR Sports networks covering 12 countries every Monday at 10pm from Feb 13.
The highights show will also be shown on StarHub, as well as on Astro Arena in Malaysia and Brunei.
~News courtesy of Today~
2012年1月13日星期五
2012年1月11日星期三
Kelantan beat LionsXII 2-1
Football: Kelantan beat LionsXII 2-1 in opening Malaysia Super League
SINGAPORE: It was a long wait but Singapore fans finally got to witness Singapore's return to the Malaysia Cup after a 17-year absence.
The LionsXII kicked off the Malaysia Super League campaign against Kelantan on Tuesday evening at Jalan Besar Stadium, but much to the disappointment of the local fans, the Malaysian side won 2-1.
It was a sea of red at the stadium as Singapore football fans packed the 7,500-capacity stadium.
On the field, the action got off to an explosive start, and Singapore could have gone ahead had Hariss Harun's header ended at the back of the net.
After repeated attempts, defender Baihakki Khaizan's glancing header from a free kick gave the Lions the first goal on the half-hour mark.
Just before the break, the visitors equalised through Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, to make it 1-1.
In the second half, Kelantan's Muhamad Ghaddar won a penalty after Singapore's custodian Izwan Mahbud brought him down in the 79th minute.
Ghaddar converted the spot-kick to give the visitors a 2-1 advantage, which ended as the final score.
LionsXII head coach V Sundramoorthy said: "I badly wanted at least a draw or a win tonight especially [when] the fans are here to support, and I hope the boys [have] done enough to bring them back for the next game.
"We are playing against the M League champions, so they are very experienced and you can see they have many good players.
"As for our boys it's after a long time -- 17 years coming back, playing against an experienced team. They definitely learn a few things out there."
Singapore next play Kedah away in Alor Star on Saturday.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
SINGAPORE: It was a long wait but Singapore fans finally got to witness Singapore's return to the Malaysia Cup after a 17-year absence.
The LionsXII kicked off the Malaysia Super League campaign against Kelantan on Tuesday evening at Jalan Besar Stadium, but much to the disappointment of the local fans, the Malaysian side won 2-1.
It was a sea of red at the stadium as Singapore football fans packed the 7,500-capacity stadium.
On the field, the action got off to an explosive start, and Singapore could have gone ahead had Hariss Harun's header ended at the back of the net.
After repeated attempts, defender Baihakki Khaizan's glancing header from a free kick gave the Lions the first goal on the half-hour mark.
Just before the break, the visitors equalised through Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, to make it 1-1.
In the second half, Kelantan's Muhamad Ghaddar won a penalty after Singapore's custodian Izwan Mahbud brought him down in the 79th minute.
Ghaddar converted the spot-kick to give the visitors a 2-1 advantage, which ended as the final score.
LionsXII head coach V Sundramoorthy said: "I badly wanted at least a draw or a win tonight especially [when] the fans are here to support, and I hope the boys [have] done enough to bring them back for the next game.
"We are playing against the M League champions, so they are very experienced and you can see they have many good players.
"As for our boys it's after a long time -- 17 years coming back, playing against an experienced team. They definitely learn a few things out there."
Singapore next play Kedah away in Alor Star on Saturday.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年1月10日星期二
LionsXII gear up for first MSL match
Football: LionsXII gear up for first MSL match
SINGAPORE: The LionsXII kick off their Malaysian Super League campaign at the Jalan Besar Stadium tomorrow.
After a 17-year break, the home team knows much is expected of them with all the hype surrounding their return to the Malaysian Cup.
The LionsXII take on Kelantan in a sell-out match on 10 January.
The defending league champion arrived on Monday and got down to training immediately.
The Malaysians are hoping to bounce back after losing their opening Charity Shield encounter 1-2 to Negri Sembilan on 7 January.
Coach Peter Butler said he likes the artificial surface at Jalan Besar and hopes his charges can adapt quickly to the conditions.
Despite the pressure, Singapore coach V Sundramoorthy was calm and said his boys are ready to take on the visitors.
The Lions, who had about four weeks and four friendly matches to prepare and bond as a team, couldn't wait to get things started.
Singapore coach V Sundramoorthy said: "Kelantan has got a few good technical players who are trying to play. (At the) end of the day, (it) is how the coaches want to play, that's important.
"But the physical part, varies from team to team. It depends where we are and who we are playing against We will do out best tactically, try to come out with a strategy to counter Kelantan and try to get the three points."
The match will be shown live on MediaCorp's Channel 5 on Tuesday at 7.45pm.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
SINGAPORE: The LionsXII kick off their Malaysian Super League campaign at the Jalan Besar Stadium tomorrow.
After a 17-year break, the home team knows much is expected of them with all the hype surrounding their return to the Malaysian Cup.
The LionsXII take on Kelantan in a sell-out match on 10 January.
The defending league champion arrived on Monday and got down to training immediately.
The Malaysians are hoping to bounce back after losing their opening Charity Shield encounter 1-2 to Negri Sembilan on 7 January.
Coach Peter Butler said he likes the artificial surface at Jalan Besar and hopes his charges can adapt quickly to the conditions.
Despite the pressure, Singapore coach V Sundramoorthy was calm and said his boys are ready to take on the visitors.
The Lions, who had about four weeks and four friendly matches to prepare and bond as a team, couldn't wait to get things started.
Singapore coach V Sundramoorthy said: "Kelantan has got a few good technical players who are trying to play. (At the) end of the day, (it) is how the coaches want to play, that's important.
"But the physical part, varies from team to team. It depends where we are and who we are playing against We will do out best tactically, try to come out with a strategy to counter Kelantan and try to get the three points."
The match will be shown live on MediaCorp's Channel 5 on Tuesday at 7.45pm.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
2012年1月7日星期六
Tune in to watch Lions XII matches
Not a StarHub TV subscriber? Do the following to receive ‘live’ LionsXII broadcasts:
1. Select an unused channel on your TV set.
2. Identify the MENU, PRESET or INSTALL button of your TV. If your TV doesn’t have any of these buttons, please refer to your TV manual.
3. Press the function. A menu page of control functions will appear on screen.
4. Scroll to MANUAL TUNE.
5. Manually tune to frequency VHF 76.25MHz
6. Select STORE to store the tuned frequency. Press MENU or PRESET button to exit tuning.
1. Select an unused channel on your TV set.
2. Identify the MENU, PRESET or INSTALL button of your TV. If your TV doesn’t have any of these buttons, please refer to your TV manual.
3. Press the function. A menu page of control functions will appear on screen.
4. Scroll to MANUAL TUNE.
5. Manually tune to frequency VHF 76.25MHz
6. Select STORE to store the tuned frequency. Press MENU or PRESET button to exit tuning.
StarHub to sponsor LionsXII
StarHub to sponsor LionsXII; all matches free on SuperSports Arena
All LionsXII matches will be shown free to StarHub TV subscribers on SuperSports Arena, said Mr Tan Tong Hai, the chief operating officer of StarHub.
Jalan Besar Stadium, Thursday, January 5, 2012 — The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced StarHub as the principal sponsor of the Singapore LionsXII and the cable television operator will have its branding on the LionsXII jersey.
StarHub declined to comment on the dollar value of the four-year deal but the sponsorship involves a mix of both cash and production costs.
StarHub will broadcast all LionsXII matches free on SuperSports Arena (Channels 112 and 201) for existing StarHub TV and mobile subscribers. The matches will also be available on Internet TV (tv.starhub.com).
There will be a 15-minute pre-match show to accompany the screening of each match and StarHub will also package weekly highlights with footage from the Malaysian broadcaster, Astro.
“As a passionate home-grown supporter of local football, we want to cement our commitment to the cause with this broadcast and sponsorship deal,” said Mr Tan Tong Hai, the chief operating officer of StarHub.
“In the past 18 months, we have brought the Youth Olympic Games, the Lion City Cup and the S.League into the living rooms of households all over Singapore. With our LionsXII coverage bringing the fans as close to the action as possible, fans will be able to kick every ball and make every tackle with the team,” added Mr Tan.
Only a limited number of games are available on free-to-air television. MediaCorp Channel 5 will screen only one Malaysian Super League match per month for a total of seven. During the Malaysia Cup, assuming that the LionsXII make it all the way to the final, Ch 5 will show an additional four matches — the opening match, the two semi-finals, and the final. Non-StarHub subscribers will need to tune their television sets to receive the signal*.
StarHub will also work with the People’s Association (PA) to hold screenings at the PA Lawn opposite Jalan Besar Stadium. For the LionsXII’s opening match against Kelantan on January 10th, there will be live community screenings at the PA Lawn and two shopping malls — Nex and Lot One.
Said Mr Zainudin Nordin, the FAS president: “The FAS evaluation committee decided that StarHub’s proposal best met our objectives which include extending the reach of the matches to a wider heartland audience through public screenings, showcasing the matches on various platforms such as television, mobile and online, as well as an innovative promotional strategy. We look forward to partnering with StarHub in using football as a key platform to strengthen social and community bonding in Singapore.”
The FAS also unveiled the new home and away kit for the LionsXII at the same press conference.
~News courtesy of Redsports.sg~
All LionsXII matches will be shown free to StarHub TV subscribers on SuperSports Arena, said Mr Tan Tong Hai, the chief operating officer of StarHub.
Jalan Besar Stadium, Thursday, January 5, 2012 — The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced StarHub as the principal sponsor of the Singapore LionsXII and the cable television operator will have its branding on the LionsXII jersey.
StarHub declined to comment on the dollar value of the four-year deal but the sponsorship involves a mix of both cash and production costs.
StarHub will broadcast all LionsXII matches free on SuperSports Arena (Channels 112 and 201) for existing StarHub TV and mobile subscribers. The matches will also be available on Internet TV (tv.starhub.com).
There will be a 15-minute pre-match show to accompany the screening of each match and StarHub will also package weekly highlights with footage from the Malaysian broadcaster, Astro.
“As a passionate home-grown supporter of local football, we want to cement our commitment to the cause with this broadcast and sponsorship deal,” said Mr Tan Tong Hai, the chief operating officer of StarHub.
“In the past 18 months, we have brought the Youth Olympic Games, the Lion City Cup and the S.League into the living rooms of households all over Singapore. With our LionsXII coverage bringing the fans as close to the action as possible, fans will be able to kick every ball and make every tackle with the team,” added Mr Tan.
Only a limited number of games are available on free-to-air television. MediaCorp Channel 5 will screen only one Malaysian Super League match per month for a total of seven. During the Malaysia Cup, assuming that the LionsXII make it all the way to the final, Ch 5 will show an additional four matches — the opening match, the two semi-finals, and the final. Non-StarHub subscribers will need to tune their television sets to receive the signal*.
StarHub will also work with the People’s Association (PA) to hold screenings at the PA Lawn opposite Jalan Besar Stadium. For the LionsXII’s opening match against Kelantan on January 10th, there will be live community screenings at the PA Lawn and two shopping malls — Nex and Lot One.
Said Mr Zainudin Nordin, the FAS president: “The FAS evaluation committee decided that StarHub’s proposal best met our objectives which include extending the reach of the matches to a wider heartland audience through public screenings, showcasing the matches on various platforms such as television, mobile and online, as well as an innovative promotional strategy. We look forward to partnering with StarHub in using football as a key platform to strengthen social and community bonding in Singapore.”
The FAS also unveiled the new home and away kit for the LionsXII at the same press conference.
~News courtesy of Redsports.sg~
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