Singapore Premier League to kick off 2022 season on Feb 25

The 2022 season of the Singapore Premier League will kick off on Feb 25 and end in mid-October, the Football Association of Singapore announced on Tuesday (Jan 25). 

Several rule changes were also announced. 

The new season will see the competition move to a quadruple round-robin format. The move, which will see the clubs play 28 matches each, was designed to provide more players with playing opportunities. 

FAS said the increase in number of matches will also inject a higher level of competition. 

Clubs will also be allowed to name up to nine substitutes for each match, up from seven previously. They will also be allowed to make up to five substitutions per match.  

Clubs now also need only to field one Under-23 player for the entire duration of the first half, as announced previously. This is a reduction from the original quota of three, first introduced in the 2018 season of the league.

This year will also see the return of the Community Shield for the first time in three years. The traditional curtain raiser will see defending champions Lion City Sailors take on last year’s runners’ up Albirex Niigata at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Feb 19 at 5.30pm.

The Singapore Cup also makes its return this year and will be held in October. 

In total, there will be 120 matches in the entire 2022 season. 

Fans who want to attend matches at the stadiums would need to provide proof of their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19. Entry for children aged 12 and below will require the company of a fully-vaccinated adult. 

In line with current government measures, those aged 18 and above and had their second dose taken before 21 May 2021 have had to take their booster shot to maintain a fully-vaccinated status.

For the most updated information, FAS strongly advises fans to refer to the Safe Management Measures for Sport and Physical Exercise & Activity for the Transition Phase from Sport Singapore.

Ticket prices start from $10 for adults and $5 for concession, and fans are advised to check in with the respective home clubs for specific ticketing details. A wrist tag will be issued per ticket-holder to allow access to the venue.

Alternatively, fans of the league can catch every live match televised via Singtel TV, Starhub TV as well as the league’s Facebook page and Youtube channel.