The Football Association of Singapore and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth have kissed and made up.

After an uncharacteristic lively exchange of words that hinted that both sides disagreed with the other's approach to taking Singapore football to the next level by qualifying for the 2034 World Cup, FAS and MCCY issued a agreeable, jargon-filled joint statement.

The statement was put out on Tuesday, March 10, with FAS and MCCY touching on Goal 2034, a mere four days after the disagreement arose.

According to the statement, FAS had refined its vision after receiving feedback from MCCY and key stakeholders.

Subsequently, MCCY "welcomes and supports" FAS' plans.

The two sides will continue to meet to discuss about Goal 2034.

Meanwhile, FAS has also been engaging other stakeholders, including the Singapore National Olympic Council, to further improve on Goal 2034.

Here is the full statement:

"Goal 2034 is a long-term aspiration, and a statement of the ambition and the desire of the FAS to develop Singapore football to greater heights, and make Singapore proud.

MCCY welcomes and supports FAS’s drive for excellence.

FAS had briefed MCCY and key stakeholders last year about its plans for Goal 2034, and FAS has been refining its plans based on the feedback.

FAS and MCCY will continue to meet to discuss the Goal 2034 project, to establish greater clarity and alignment on the plan.

FAS has also been engaging other stakeholders, including the Singapore National Olympic Council, to further refine its vision and plans for Goal 2034.

FAS and MCCY would like to see many stakeholders – including all Singaporeans who enjoy football - jointly own and support Goal 2034, and work toward this vision together as a national project."

Background

In August 2019, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced Goal 2034, in hopes that the national team will qualify for the World Cup that year.

Goal 2034 not set by government

But on March 6, 2020, Senior Parliamentary Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), Baey Yam Keng, said in Parliament that qualifying for the 2034 World Cup was not a goal set by the government -- a statement that caused confusion.

However, he added that the role of the government is to support sports associations.

In response to Baey's statement, the FAS expressed its surprise late at night on the same day.

In addition, it sought clarification from MCCY on its position.

Top image from FAS Facebook.