Four-member team to search for new S-League CEO

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SINGAPORE - She is the president of the Singapore Bowling Federation and is widely recognised on the international circuit for her role as head of the world body - Federation Internationale des Quilleurs.

Now, Jessie Phua is set to make an impact on local football, as the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) embark on their hunt for a new S-League chief executive officer.

Phua will be part of a selection panel that features former minister and FAS president Ho Peng Kee, Singapore Sports Council CEO Lim Teck Yin and current football chief Zainudin Nordin.

Speaking to Today, Phua said yesterday: "I've always been a big supporter of football. The person we are looking for has a very tall order to fulfil as it's a tough job. We need someone with a good business mind to bring the sport to the next level."

Other senior personnel will also be recruited for the league's new management team.

The S-League kicked off in 1996 but in recent years, fan turnout has dwindled.

The 12-team competition received a boost this year when the FAS increased funding for the clubs.

Last week, many fans here welcomed the news of Singapore's return to the Malaysia Cup after a 17-year hiatus.

Some critics have suggested the move as a signal that the S-League has failed.

But FAS general secretary Winston Lee, who has been wearing two hats serving as S-League CEO since 2006, rubbished such talk.

And he says the big task for the new CEO will be to ensure there is a happy marriage between the Singapore Lions' participation in Malaysian club football competitions and the S-League.

Said Lee: "The new CEO and the FAS must work with the clubs to ensure the S-League thrives. The S-League is the heartbeat of Singapore. That is why we ensured there is more funding for clubs. We've also adjusted the fixtures to Friday, Saturday and Sunday from next season for the benefit of fans.

"There will also be a dedicated management team from the S-League that will work closely with the clubs to bring our league to the next level." Low Lin Fhoong