In a thrilling update for football fans in Singapore, English Premier League (EPL) giants Tottenham Hotspur are set to face the Lion City Sailors of the Singapore Premier League. The face-off is set to occur on July 26 at Singapore’s National Stadium, with the Sailors stepping in as a replacement for Serie A club AS Roma.
An Unexpected Schedule Change
Originally, AS Roma had been scheduled to lock horns with Tottenham Hotspur. However, the unforeseen cancellation of the Korean leg of AS Roma’s tour necessitated a reshuffling of their pre-season plan. TEG Sport, the promoter of the event, announced the change on Wednesday, July 12.
“We are thrilled that [Lion City Sailors] will also be part of the action on the pitch,” expressed TEG Sport CEO Geoff Jones.
Ticketing Adjustments
In response to the scheduling modification, ticket holders assigned to the Roma section for the July 26 match will be automatically refunded. Although the remaining match tickets continue to be valid, holders can request a refund by 12 PM on July 21 should they wish to do so.
An Opportunity and a Visual Treat
Playing against a team of Tottenham’s stature presents the Lion City Sailors with an opportunity to prepare for the demanding AFC Champions League rigorously, according to Lion City Sailors chairman Forrest Li.
He also believes the match will serve as a “visual treat” for the Sailors’ supporters, acknowledging Spurs’ strong fan base in Singapore. Li anticipates a large turnout of Spurs fans and hopes the event will “provide Spurs’ fans an exposure to local football and spark some interest in our local football league.”
Donna-Maria Cullen, executive director of Tottenham Hotspur, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the game against the Lion City Sailors will allow their fans “to see us play against Singapore’s leading club side in the National Stadium.”
Singapore Festival of Football
The match is a part of the inaugural Singapore Festival of Football, running from July 26 to August 2. The event, which enjoys the support of the Singapore Tourism Board, provides a significant platform for football fans to witness their favorite teams in action.
Conclusion
The last-minute change from AS Roma to Lion City Sailors does more than simply fill a gap in the fixture. This game promises to be a high-octane encounter between an EPL heavyweight and Singapore’s leading club. It showcases the increasing global stature of Singapore’s football scene and provides a unique opportunity for Lion City Sailors to test their mettle against an internationally renowned opponent. For football fans in Singapore and beyond, this match is a highly anticipated event that will undoubtedly offer a thrilling spectacle. Also learn about Sports and Fitness Culture in Singapore: From Traditional Games to Modern Trends.
