This morning, the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) panel of selectors, headed by president Teo Chee Hean, overturned its initial decision of not sending the football squad to the Asian Games.

The cubs have now been given the chance to don national colours at the Asian Games, to be held in Doha, Qatar from December 1 - 15, 2006.

This followed an appeal submitted by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), led by Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee, Senior Minister of State for Law & Home Affairs & President of the FAS.

"The boys are grateful for this opportunity to play against the best in Asia and we'll like to thank the SNOC for putting their faith in our boys," said A/P Ho.

"Also, we'd like to thank all our fans for their overwhelming support that they've shown over the past few weeks."

National coach Radojko Avramovic and his coaching staff will be finalising their training programme for the Asian Games soon. The draw for the Asian Games football tournament will take place on 7 September 2006 in Doha.