TEG Sport and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have signed a five-year agreement to bring the Singapore Festival of Football (SFOF) back to the city. As part of the deal, major European football matches will return to Singapore in alternate years—2025, 2027, and 2029.
This year’s edition of SFOF will see top-tier clubs taking the field. Italy’s 19-time Serie A champions AC Milan, English Premier League giant Arsenal FC, and Carabao Cup winners Newcastle United FC are all confirmed to play.
Arsenal will kick off the event against AC Milan on July 23. The team will then hold an open training session on July 25 before facing Newcastle United on July 27. All events will take place at the National Stadium, located in the Singapore Sports Hub.
Timothy Ho, managing director of TEG Asia, emphasized Singapore’s appeal as a preseason destination. “The country’s location, efficiency, and strong fanbase make it a great place for European teams to train and connect with fans in Southeast Asia,” he said. “This partnership allows us to keep bringing world-class football to Singapore regularly.”
STB chief executive Melissa Ow believes the deal enhances Singapore’s reputation. “It adds to our vibrant events calendar and shows why Singapore is a must-visit destination,” she said.
AC Milan’s honorary vice president, Franco Baresi, expressed excitement about the upcoming match. “This will be our first-ever game in Singapore, and it’s a historic moment for us and our fans,” he said. “AC Milan has a global spirit, and we’re eager to bring our energy to the National Stadium.”
Arsenal’s managing director Richard Garlick recalled the club’s successful visits in 2015 and 2018. “This trip gives us another chance to connect with our supporters in the region,” he said. “Our matches against AC Milan and Newcastle will offer top-level preparation for the season ahead.”
Newcastle United’s sporting director, Paul Mitchell, said the team is looking forward to high-quality competition. “The SFOF gives us elite facilities and strong opponents to help us perform at our best before the Premier League begins.”
The first Singapore Festival of Football was held in 2023 and drew more than 130,000 fans. That edition featured matches between English clubs Liverpool FC, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City FC, and German giants Bayern Munich.
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