Singapore men’s football team left out of 2025 SEA Games for first time

SINGAPORE: For the first time since the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games began in 1977, Singapore will not send a men’s under-22 football team to the regional competition.

The team was absent from the provisional athlete list for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, released by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) on 6 August 2025. The move marks a historic first in nearly five decades of participation.

Alongside the football team’s omission, national marathoner Soh Rui Yong was also left out of the initial selection.

SNOC: Soh’s nomination “not supported at this stage”

According to SNOC, Soh’s nomination — submitted by Singapore Athletics (SA) in June — was not supported “at this stage.” However, the council noted that discussions with SA are ongoing, and that it remains open to reconsidering the nomination through its Appeals Committee.

“The SNOC has been in dialogue with Singapore Athletics regarding his nomination, and should Singapore Athletics choose to resubmit it, the SNOC will review the nomination through its Appeals Committee in due course,” SNOC said in its media release.

The council reiterated that it seeks to send athletes who not only meet performance standards but also “uphold the values and conduct expected of national representatives.”

Largest-ever Singapore contingent

The 33rd SEA Games will be held in Thailand from 9 to 20 December 2025, and Singapore is expected to send its largest-ever contingent — 762 athletes across 42 sports.

SNOC said the record figure is due to the “broad range of sports selected by the host nation.” Some national sports associations (NSAs) are still finalising results from recent competitions that narrowly missed the selection deadline, meaning further adjustments may occur before the final list is confirmed.

“For some events, the national sports associations will make the selection and decide on the final composition of their team from the pre-qualified athletes,” SNOC added.

Appeals for athletes not included in the provisional list must be submitted by 15 August 2025.

Soh remains optimistic amid exclusion

Responding to queries from CNA, Soh expressed calm and gratitude despite the omission.

“I’m currently enjoying my birthday and not worrying about SEA Games selection,” said Soh, who turned 34 on Wednesday. “Will leave it to Singapore Athletics to do the necessary.”

Soh’s relationship with SNOC has been fraught in recent years. He was initially left out of the 2023 SEA Games squad but was later included after a successful appeal — marking his return to major competition after more than five years.

At the Phnom Penh Games, he placed fourth in the 5,000m and won silver in the 10,000m, setting a national record in the process. However, he was subsequently excluded from the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where his appeal failed.

In 2024, Soh broke two more national records in the United Kingdom — clocking 4:30 in the road mile at the Sir Roger Bannister Westminster Mile and 15:08 in the 5km at the Friday Night Under the Lights 5K in Battersea Park.

Despite his achievements, tensions between the athlete and SNOC remain unresolved.

Ongoing conflict with SNOC

Under former SNOC president Tan Chuan-Jin, Soh was barred from competing at the 2023 Asian Games despite meeting qualifying marks. Tan, a former Speaker of Parliament and member of the ruling People’s Action Party, resigned from all his positions in July 2025 following revelations of an extramarital affair.

SNOC, now led by Minister Grace Fu, has accused Soh of failing to honour commitments made after his participation in the Cambodia SEA Games.

According to The Straits Times, SNOC compiled a 30-page dossier detailing Soh’s online behaviour between March and May 2023, along with transcripts from his appearance on a podcast hosted by former national footballer Shasi Kumar.

Soh’s history of outspoken criticism of SNOC leadership dates back to 2019, when he publicly clashed with Tan on Facebook after being excluded from the Games. At the time, he likened the decision-making process to “primary school playground politics,” claiming Tan had blocked him on social media, hindering communication.

Football team’s absence marks historic first

While Soh’s potential reinstatement remains open pending appeal, the absence of the men’s football team has already made history.

Singapore has fielded a men’s football side at every SEA Games since the tournament’s inception in 1977. The decision not to send a team this year signals a significant shift in priorities, likely stemming from the squad’s recent struggles and results.

The under-22 team finished bottom of their group in the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games, losing all four matches and conceding 16 goals without scoring. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) later launched a review into the team’s performance.

While SNOC did not elaborate on the football team’s exclusion, sources within the sporting community suggest that the decision reflects a broader effort to raise standards and ensure only competitive teams are sent to represent Singapore.

Appeals and next steps

Athletes and NSAs have until Friday, 15 August, to submit appeals for reconsideration. SNOC’s Appeals Committee will then review each case before releasing the final confirmed delegation list later this year.

As it stands, Singapore’s record 762-athlete contingent will head to Thailand in December — but questions linger over whether one of the country’s most recognisable athletes and its once-storied football team will join them.