Bernard Tan discusses the state of Singapore football, including recent losses, player development, and the ‘Unleash the Roar’ initiative.
The once-powerful Singapore roar fell silent on May 1 after the national football team’s crushing 7-0 defeat to Malaysia in their final group match at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia. The loss was deeply felt by both passionate fans and casual observers alike, as it marked another disappointing performance in a series of setbacks.
As ardent football fans ourselves, my friends and I were hesitant to criticize the national team—after all, these are fellow Singaporeans who sacrifice their time and energy to represent the nation. But many other Singaporeans felt frustrated by yet another disheartening result, and the criticisms leveled at the team reached beyond the match itself, with many questioning the leadership of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).
Recent defeats, such as the 4-1 loss to Malaysia in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup earlier this year and the 5-1 exit to South Korea in the Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers in 2021, have left the team stuck in a rut. What fans desire is not necessarily victories, but a fighting spirit—even in defeat. Unfortunately, this was absent in the 7-0 loss to Malaysia.
The intense disappointment led many to seek answers from the FAS, and Acting President Bernard Tan is stepping up to address those concerns.
RICE: Losing to Malaysia by such a heavy margin must have been devastating for you, both personally and professionally. What went through your mind?
Bernard Tan: As a football fan, the defeat was painful. But as part of the Football Association of Singapore, the loss hit even harder. Watching the team fall apart like that was devastating. Since the match, I’ve spoken with the players, and many of them were just as shocked by the result. They’re still processing what happened. It was one of those days where everything went wrong, and we, as a nation, cannot accept that kind of performance.
We know we may not be the best in ASEAN, but we expect a performance worthy of the Singapore jersey. The players are also aware of this, and they are hurting just as much.
RICE: There were strong criticisms from netizens about the performance of the SEA Games team. Do you believe these criticisms are valid?
Bernard Tan: Yes, the criticisms are valid. When you wear the Singapore jersey, the expectation is clear: you compete with heart, grit, and discipline. You make it difficult for the opponent to play against you, no matter the scoreline. A 7-0 loss doesn’t reflect any of that, and fans are right to voice their disappointment.
RICE: The FAS has announced a review of the SEA Games performance, and the under-22 squad will be sidelined from international tournaments until the review is complete. What’s the rationale behind this decision?
Bernard Tan: Some may see it as punishing the players, but in reality, it’s about protecting them. We are giving them time to recover, both mentally and physically, before they return to the field. The review is set for six weeks, and only one tournament, scheduled for August, will be affected. We felt it was better to skip this tournament rather than send an under-prepared team, and we’re confident that no other upcoming tournaments will be impacted.
RICE: There’s been talk about recruiting overseas players, like Luke O’Nien, to represent Singapore. Is the FAS considering this?
Bernard Tan: Yes, we’re exploring all talent pools, including Singaporeans and those with Singaporean lineage. The challenge is Singapore’s non-recognition of dual citizenship, which complicates the naturalization process. However, we’re looking into all options, including bringing in foreign talent who could add value to the Singapore Premier League (SPL).
RICE: The FAS recently launched the ‘Unleash The Roar’ movement. Can you explain what this initiative aims to achieve?
Bernard Tan: The key issue we face is experience. For example, many players on the Thai team have several seasons in their domestic leagues, whereas our players struggle to get consistent game time. Unleash The Roar is about fast-tracking player development, getting young players to debut at higher levels at an earlier age. By having players make their SPL debut at 17, we ensure they have more experience when competing in regional tournaments like the SEA Games.
RICE: There’s a sentiment that public funds should be directed toward sports with a higher chance of winning gold medals. What are your thoughts?
Bernard Tan: Football is more than just about winning gold. It’s a sport that unites Singaporeans across all demographics, from race to age, and it resonates with people at every level. Football has a unique ability to bring people together, and it matters to the nation. While we must always be prudent with public funds, I believe football is worth investing in. With the ‘Unleash The Roar’ initiative, we’re working toward results, and I’m optimistic that we’ll see improvements.
RICE: Some critics argue that Singapore football is too focused on past successes, like the Malaysia Cup victories. Do you think this nostalgia is holding the team back?
Bernard Tan: There’s some truth to that. We’ve had success in the past, but we can’t live in the shadow of history. Football in Singapore has less resources and fewer participants compared to other ASEAN countries. But we’ve always punched above our weight, and that’s the goal moving forward. It won’t be easy, but with a united effort from the government, the community, and corporate support, we can build a stronger football ecosystem.
RICE: Any final thoughts for Singaporeans, given the recent challenges?
Bernard Tan: It’s been a tough period, but I ask for some space from Singaporeans. We understand the disappointment, and we’re committed to improving. With time and reflection, we will come back stronger. Thank you for your continued support.
