Singapore's Jalan Besar Stadium to add 1,500 seats — Channel NewsAsia
Singapore's Jalan Besar Stadium will receive 1,500 additional spectator seats. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) plans to increase the venue's capacity amid growing support for the national team among fans, Channel NewsAsia reports.
FAS President Forrest Li said in the association's annual report, released on September 16, that the results of the men's national team, known as the Lions, had sparked a significant revival of interest in football. The team qualified for the AFC Asian Cup on sporting merit for the first time, advancing through the qualifiers unbeaten. More than 30,000 spectators attended the final qualifying match against Bangladesh in March.
New South Stand
FAS is working with state sports agency SportSG to increase match-viewing capacity. The first step is expected to be the construction of a new South Stand at Jalan Besar Stadium, adding 1,500 seats.
The venue on Tyrwhitt Road currently holds around 6,000 people. According to Li, all ASEAN Cup matches in Singapore were played before full stands. Stadium capacity and access to tickets were also an issue during the ASEAN Championship semifinal in August, in which Singapore played Thailand.
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Li also said that FAS expects to expand match-viewing capacity later, after the completion of construction of new stadiums in Punggol and Toa Payoh.
Rise in donations
In the financial year ending March 31, 2026, FAS donations rose to S$12.35 million, compared with S$695,000 a year earlier. The report states that the association received S$10 million from related parties over which a board member has significant influence, as well as S$2 million from a board member.
Separately, FAS said that technology company Sea donated S$10 million. Forrest Li is Sea's chairman and chief executive officer, and the contribution is part of the company's commitment to allocate S$50 million for the long-term development of football in the country. After the national team's qualification for the Asian Cup, Li also said he would provide the team with S$2 million in bonuses from his own funds.
