Singapore Premier League clubs resume full training

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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.

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APL and PFA remain without agreement as bargaining tensions continue

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Image Credit: A-Leagues

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) remain without a new collective bargaining agreement, with negotiations continuing less than three months before the start of the 2026–27 A-Leagues season.

The APL presented the players’ union with a new one-year interim proposal on August 5, which included an increase to the A-League Women salary cap and a commitment to establish a pathway towards full-time professionalism for the women’s competition within 12 months.

The proposed agreement would provide an interim framework while the two parties continue discussions over a longer-term collective bargaining agreement.

APL chief executive Steve Rosich said the proposal reflected the league’s commitment to reaching a sustainable agreement with players following eight months of negotiations.

However, the PFA criticised the APL for publicly announcing the proposal shortly after presenting it to the union, arguing that the approach had further damaged trust between the two parties.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch also said players had overwhelmingly rejected the APL’s previous final offer, citing a lack of trust in the league’s ability to ensure its future.

Full-time professionalism for the A-League Women remains a key priority for the PFA, with players seeking improved conditions and greater investment in the competition.

The A-League Men and A-League Women seasons are both scheduled to begin on 16 October 2026.

With the new season approaching, both parties face pressure to resolve the dispute and establish the framework governing player conditions across the A-Leagues.

 

 

Jeff Bezos consortium set for $2.7 billion Liverpool investment

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Image Credits: Fortune

Liverpool could soon welcome one of the world’s richest men into its ownership structure.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium in advanced talks to buy a 30% stake in the club.

The proposed deal values Liverpool at around $8.6 billion (4.5 billion pounds). Bezos has a personal fortune estimated at $363 billion.

The investment would give Fenway Sports Group (FSG) a major financial return. It would also allow FSG to keep control of the club, which they bought in 2010.

The proposal has attracted attention across football. It has also created concern among sections of the Liverpool fanbase.

FSG set for major return

FSG bought Liverpool for $573 million (300 million pounds) in 2010. The ownership group later provided further funding through loans. In the last 16 years, the club has undergone major growth.

Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for a league title in 2020. The club also won the Champions League in 2019. Another Premier League title followed in 2025.

Stadium redevelopment and a new training centre have also increased the club’s value. FSG could cash in on $2.7 billion (1.4 billion pounds) if the 30% share is sold.

The deal would therefore represent a huge return on its original investment. However, whilst the investment would provide a massive cash out for the owners of Liverpool, due to Financial Fair Play there won’t be increased investment in the transfer market.

Why Bezos wants Liverpool

Bezos has explored sports investments before. He has been linked with major American franchises such as the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Liverpool would give him a stake in one of football’s biggest global brands. The club also has a large following in the United States. The New York Times has also reported Liverpool has 26 million fans in America.

That makes the investment attractive for investors looking to expand their reach in global sport. American businessmen Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia are also reportedly involved in the consortium.

The deal would add to the growing American influence across English football.

Fans remain cautious

Liverpool supporters have not automatically welcomed the proposal.

The club’s previous experience under Tom Hicks and George Gillett still influences the fanbase.

Supporters also want greater clarity over the consortium’s intentions. Questions remain over board representation, control and the long-term purpose of the investment.

For many fans, ownership must involve more than financial ambition. The Bezos proposal could strengthen Liverpool’s commercial position. It could also deliver a huge payday for FSG.

But until the consortium reveals more about its plans, supporters are likely to treat the deal with scepticism.

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