Billionaire Forrest Li, fans join fundraising drive as Singapore national football team secure historic Asian Cup qualification

Launched on Giving Singapore, FAS has set a target of raising S$500,000 (US$389,000) following the team’s historic qualification for the tournament.

The funds are intended to maintain the high standards for the national team, as well as supporting the preparation, development and long-term roadmap for teams at all levels, from youth to senior.

Singapore recently concluded their Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over Bangladesh. This win helped them top their group and secure their qualification for the Asian Cup for the first time since 1984, when they were the host.

FAS considers this a major milestone, reflecting a long, dedicated process of professional growth, tactical discipline and confidence.

After more than a day since the launch, the campaign has raised S$24,708 from 53 individuals.

According to FAS representatives, online fundraising is just one of many ways for fans to support Singaporean football. The association emphasized that the primary goal is not the money itself, but rather the community’s collective effort in building a strong, sustainable foundation for the sport.

“This moment presents a meaningful opportunity for the community to rally behind the team as they prepare for the Asian Cup and beyond,” a representative told Mothership.

Billionaire backing

The fundraising campaign arrives shortly after Singaporean football received a massive financial boost from the corporate sector.

FAS President Forrest Li, who also serves as the head of Sea Limited, recently pledged a staggering S$50 million to support the development of Singaporean football. Of that amount, S$10 million has already been transferred since the start of 2026. The rest will be allocated to programs designed to improve the national team’s performance, nurture young talent and upgrade football infrastructure.

Li, a 49-year-old billionaire, owns several prominent companies, including Shopee, Garena and SeaMoney. He believes this financial backing could be the largest corporate sponsorship in the history of Singaporean football. However, he continues to call for further social and community involvement, arguing that football cannot develop sustainably without a rooted community base.

Singapore’s triumphant return to the Asian Cup after more than four decades also contributes to a regional success. Southeast Asia will boast four representatives in the tournament, including Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.

This marks the highest number of participating teams from the region since 2007, when four Southeast Asian nations served as co-hosts.

The 2027 Asian Cup is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from Jan. 7 to Feb. 5, featuring 24 teams divided into six groups. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout phase.