SPL champions blocked from defending title

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Travel restrictions have prevented reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions Brunei DPMM FC from defending their title.

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) on Monday announced that team would not participate for the rest of the 2020 SPL season.

While Brunei will sit out the 2020 SPL season, the league will proceed without them in order to decide Singapore’s representatives for 2021 Asian Football Confederation competitions.

The FAS said that the club had done everything possible in order to compete in the SPL this season however Brunei’s national policies prevented this from happening. DPMM FC currently does not have confirmation on when travel will be allowed to resume.

“It is extremely unfortunate that Brunei DPMM FC will not be able to join us for the resumption of the 2020 SPL campaign as I am certain SPL supporters and the other participating clubs are looking forward to see the reigning champions defend their title,” FAS President Mr Lim Kia Tong said in a media release on the FAS website.

“However, we recognise that these are extraordinary circumstances, and the current situation leaves us with extremely limited options. Brunei DPMM FC has been a valued participant of the SPL for a better part of the decade and remains an integral part of our League. We look forward to welcoming them back next season.”

DPMM FC’s match against 2-0 win over Tampines Rovers in March will be voided. It was the only match the two-time SPL winners played before the season was suspended.

“We were looking forward to defending our title this season. However, despite our best efforts, the travel rules have meant that it is not possible for us to do so,” Brunei DPMMFC General Manager Ali Haji Momin said about the announcement.

“We are tremendously grateful for the patience and kind understanding of the FAS over the last few weeks as we both sought for a solution to this matter. We wish the other eight teams the best of luck for the rest of this season, and hope to return for the 2021 season in full force.”

The SPL resumed on October 17 after a seven-month suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Australian Sports Group unveiled as new owners of Canberra United

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Image Credits: A-League

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has confirmed Canberra United’s new owners will be the Australian Sports Group (ASG), securing the future of the A-League Women’s side with the potential for an A-League men’s team to be introduced for the 2028/2029 season.

The announcement marks a significant milestone for football in the nation’s capital, ending a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding Canberra United’s future in the Ninja A-League Women competition.

Beyond ensuring the club’s ongoing participation in Australia’s premier women’s domestic league, the acquisition provides a pathway towards the potential introduction of an A-League Men club in Canberra, subject to the completion of regulatory requirements; the club could exercise an exclusive licence agreement in the Australian Capital Territory.

Australian Sports Group has outlined an ambitious vision centred on strengthening football throughout the ACT, with plans to invest in player development pathways, community engagement and football infrastructure while working alongside key stakeholders across the region.

The ownership transition has been welcomed by the Australian Professional Leagues, which described the outcome as an important step in expanding the game’s footprint in Canberra and reinforcing the long-term sustainability of professional football in the region.

Canberra United has long been regarded as one of Australia’s most successful and respected women’s clubs, playing a pivotal role in developing elite players and contributing to the growth of women’s football nationally. The confirmation of new ownership provides greater certainty for players, staff, supporters and commercial partners ahead of the upcoming season.

The licence transfer will continue through Football Australia’s regulatory processes, including the required fit and proper persons assessment, while operational planning for the 2026-27 campaign is already underway with support from both the APL and Capital Football.

 

AC Milan and Puma Unveil New 2026/27 Away Kit

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Image Credit: AC Milan S.p.A.
AC Milan and Puma have officially unveiled the clubs the new 2026/27 away kit, a timeless white kit that celebrates resilience, heritage and the winning mentality that has defined the Rossoneri for generations.

Inspired by the phrase “after Istanbul, there is always Athens” the kit pays tribute to AC Milan’s triumph in the 2007 Champions League Final in Athens following their defeat in Istanbul in 2005. The message printed on the back of the collar, reflects the club’s enduring spirit and serves as a reminder that every setback can become the foundation for future success.

Leading the campaign is club legend Filipo Inzaghi who scored two goals to lead AC Milan in the 2007 UEFA Champions League Final, embodying the determination, resilience and hunger that continues to define AC Milan’s identity.

Every detail on this years away kit reinforces this story. Gold accents and a laurel wrapped club crest celebrates a storied history of success, while the authentic version features the Greek inscription “Δύναμη Ψυχής” (“Strength of Spirit”) inside the collar. A subtle phoenix wing woven into the fabric symbolises renewal, resilience and the Club’s commitment to continually rising to new challenges.

The authentic jersey is engineered with PUMA’s advanced ULTRAWEAVE fabric, complemented by dryCELL and ThermoAdapt technologies to deliver lightweight feel and optimal performance. The replica version brings the same identity combining the same striking design with everyday wearability and is made with RE technology, incorporating 95% recycled polyester sourced from textile waste.

The new AC Milan 2026/27 Away Kit is available now through AC Milan Official Stores, the Club’s online store, PUMA and selected retailers worldwide.

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