The Singapore national football team will receive around S$2 million following their qualification for the Asian Cup. Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president Forrest Li announced the payout during a media doorstop interview at Changi Airport on 19 Nov 2025.
The Lions made national sporting history at Kai Tak Stadium on 18 Nov 2025 after beating Hong Kong 2-1. This marks the first time Singapore has qualified for the Asian Cup on merit.
Li said the team deserved the reward for their achievement. “If you are a good footballer, you make the contribution to the country, you bring the pride and the joy back to all the Singaporeans, you deserve it, and you should be rewarded,” he said.
Comeback Win Secures Spot at 2027 Tournament in Saudi Arabia
Hong Kong took an early lead through Matt Orr’s first-half goal. Singapore responded with two goals in just four minutes from Shawal Anuar and Ilhan Fandi to complete a comeback victory.
The win secured Singapore’s spot at the 2027 Asian Cup tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with one game still remaining in their qualifying round.
Singapore’s only previous appearance at the Asian Cup was in 1984, when they participated automatically as hosts.
Over 100 Fans Welcome Team Home at Changi Airport
More than 100 supporters turned up at Changi Airport Terminal 2 on 19 Nov 2025 to welcome the team home. Fans dressed in red cheered as the Lions exited the arrival gate, led by team captain Hariss Harun and Li.
Many supporters held jerseys for signing and filmed the returning players. The crowd also sang “Happy Birthday” for Hariss, who turned 35.
Hariss made a beeline for his three children upon entering the arrival hall and gave them a tight hug before speaking to reporters.
“Thank you,” Hariss told the crowd. He thanked fans for sticking with the team through the “highs and lows” and said: “It’s about time we gave back something.”
Hariss added: “Each and every one stepped in the team to do their part and it was a wonderful story to get us to the Asian Cup.”
When asked how the team bounced back after going a goal down, Hariss explained: “We were calm. We stayed true to our belief in ourselves. And true enough, we kept grinding away, and then came back to the game and we got the first goal.”
He also said: “I always believe there’s a fire burning despite all the negativity, the performances and the results we had over the years.”
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