[Telegram Chat] - THE TOUGHEST JOB IN SINGAPORE FOOTBALL: WHO'S READY TO LEAD?

The FAS logo at Jalan Besar Stadium years ago

Being tasked with helming a high-profile sport like football, one must be a brave person, ready to put themselves under intense public scrutiny.

After all, have we not seen over the years that whosoever holds this position is put to task when things are not going our way?

A ROLE THAT DEMANDS RESILIENCE

Of late, a report by The Straits Times stated that Lion City Sailors owner Forrest Li is "seriously considering" the presidency of the local game's governing body.

Since nothing is confirmed at this stage, it is premature to draw any tangible conclusions.

What do fans think

However, given the high-profile nature of the role, one must constantly be in the spotlight, prepared to brace and face challenges from all directions.

It is definitely not a role for someone who is accustomed to staying low-profile.

A LEADERSHIP EXAMPLE FROM TAIWAN

Perhaps any potential candidate should take a leaf from Jeffrey Koo Jr., the scion of the Koo family of Taiwan.

Besides being the club owner of CTBC Brothers - the reigning champions of the Taiwanese professional baseball league - Koo concurrently serves as the president of the local baseball association (note: the above-mentioned league and association are two separate bodies).

Known to be a baseball fanatic since he was young, Koo also owns a significant stake in CTBC Financial Holding, one of Taiwan's largest financial institutions. He is a man wearing two hats.

With such strong financial prowess, Koo never shies away from spending big, so long as it is what it takes to bring success to the sport of baseball in Taiwan.

From providing the best available facilities for his players to rewarding them lavishly for any success they achieve, Koo spares no expense.

A THANKLESS ROLE

To sum things up, the role of the FAS president demands a leader who is resilient, committed, and ready to face tough challenges at any given time. The right person must be prepared to step up and make a lasting impact.

Strictly speaking, it is, after all, a thankless role.