Albirex Niigata Singapore FC to Become Predominantly Local Club with Singaporean Players in 2024

Albirex Niigata Singapore FC will transition to a “local club” structure, featuring mostly Singaporean players, beginning with the 2024 season of the Singapore Premier League (SPL). The announcement, made by club chairman Daisuke Korenaga and vice-chairman Koh Mui Tee at a press conference at Jurong East Stadium on September 13, reflects Albirex’s commitment to supporting the growth of Singaporean football talent and increasing football’s impact on local communities.

With this transition, Albirex’s roster will primarily comprise Singaporean players, a significant change for a club that historically fields Japanese players. Under SPL regulations, each club is limited to a maximum of four foreign players, which Albirex expects to fulfill with Japanese players from its current squad. For Japanese players not selected, Albirex will assist with transfers to other clubs in Singapore, the region, or back to Japan.

In preparation, Albirex plans to engage with other local players in the league and continues its commitment to developing local talent through its youth academy in Singapore. In 2018, Albirex took its first steps toward local integration by adding Singaporean players to the team, and in 2022, it partnered with Belgian second-division team KMSK Deinze to create pathways for players to gain experience in Europe. Singaporean Ilhan Fandi was the first player to make this transfer.

Albirex’s shift also aligns with its 20th anniversary in Singapore, which the club sees as the ideal milestone for this evolution. By achieving stronger local alignment, Albirex aims to qualify for participation in future AFC tournaments, such as the AFC Cup, which was previously off-limits due to its status as a foreign club.

“We’ve planned this change for a long time, and it’s not just a quick decision,” Koh remarked, underscoring the club’s ongoing dedication to fostering Singaporean football excellence.