Friday, 9 April 2010 12:01 PM
South Melbourne FC wishes to confirm reports that it is close to finalising an arrangement to participate in this year’s RHB Singapore Cup, the equivalent of Singapore’s FA Cup.
The Singapore football authorities and South Melbourne FC have completed their discussions and the Singapore FA has informed our Club that it is keen to have South Melbourne FC participate in this year’s RHB Singapore Cup.
The Singapore FA has discussed the issue with the CEO of Football Federation Australia, Mr Ben Buckley and does not believe that Football Federation Australia has any difficulty with the concept.
Football Federation Australia has been invited by the Singapore FA to formally respond by Monday 12 April 2010.
Whilst Singapore FA is keen for South Melbourne FC to participate in the Singapore Cup and no other Australian club has applied to do so, the Singapore authorities are awaiting Football Federation Australia’s formal consent before formalising our club’s participation.
The Singapore FA includes a number of overseas teams from the Asian Football Confederation in the Singapore Cup each year.
South Melbourne FC sees its participation as a fantastic opportunity. It will enhance Australia’s ties with the Asian Football Confederation, promote Australia’s bid to host the World Cup, provide a much needed boost to the Victorian Premier League and excite its supporters.
This development comes at a particularly exciting time for the Club as it is about to embark on the redevelopment of its stadium at Albert Park, and has been invited to the World Football Gala function to be held in London in May to accept its Award as Oceania Club of the Century, along with winning clubs from all other Confederations.
For more information, please contact South Melbourne FC Chairman Nick Galatas, on 0403 055 666 or media@smfc.com.au.