Replies to Media ● Jan 10, 2019
FAS’ response to media query on naturalising players
“The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) was in touch with Perry Ng last June when he was in Singapore.
“Based on Article 7(c) of FIFA’s Statutes, Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes, Perry is eligible to play for Singapore due to his ancestry link through his paternal grandfather and if he holds a Singapore passport. However, as Perry is not a Singapore citizen, he will still be required to fulfil the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s requirement for citizenship application.
“On the other hand, foreign players who wish to play for Singapore under the Foreign Sports Talent Scheme, will have to fulfil FIFA’s requirement of having “lived continuously for at least five years after reaching the age of 18 on the territory of the relevant association” [Article 7(d)] in order to be eligible.
“The FAS is open to foreign players who can contribute positively to Singapore football and we will work closely with the incoming National Team head coach and Technical Director for any decisions we undertake in naturalising foreign talents.”
– Eric Ong, Head, National Teams
