From today, Singapore Premier League (SPL) clubs are now allowed to return to full training.
The move is a step towards the resumption of the 2020 season for the eight SPL clubs. Restrictions on group sizes and the types of training that could be completed under Phase 2 have now been lifted.
From June 18, clubs were allowed to train in small groups under Phase 2 Safe Transition guidelines.
Under Phase 2, the maximum group size was five players and one coach. Players were not allowed to mix between groups during a session while heading and physical contact was discouraged.
“The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) welcomes the move by the Multi-Ministry Taskforce to allow the resumption of full-team training sessions for Singapore Premier League (SPL) clubs. This is a significant step towards having our clubs resuming football as per normal in this year’s SPL season,” the Football Association said in a statement on Monday.
“The FAS today briefed the 8 Singapore-based SPL clubs on the necessary safe management measures that they will need to abide by as they resume full training sessions with effect tomorrow, Tuesday 1 September 2020.
“As we continue to work alongside the relevant ministries and stakeholders on setting a tentative resumption date in September for the SPL season, a key priority will be to allow an adequate period for players to be conditioned and prepared for competitive matches, while also ensuring all necessary measures are put in place to safeguard the health and safety of players and officials.”
On March 24, the FAS announced the immediate suspension of the SPL season and training for clubs.
In announcing the suspension, the FAS said that the priority of the association was the health and welfare of players, officials and fans.
Singapore have a population of 5.639 million and have had 56,812 cases of COVID-19 and 27 deaths – Singapore’s Ministry of Health confirmed 41 new positive cases on Monday.
The Singapore Premier League is the highest level of domestic competition in Singapore. The league was established in 1996 as the S. League and was rebranded in 2018 as the SPL.