Lions to get S$2 million payout after historic Asian Cup qualification: FAS president Forrest Li

Singapore national football team will receive around S$2 million in payout following its win against the Hong Kong team in the Asian Cup qualifying match on Nov. 18.

Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president Forrest Li made the announcement in a media doorstop interview at Changi Airport on Nov. 19, shortly after the Lions touched down.

Fans and supporters turned up to welcome the team home following their match at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium last night.

"You deserve it, and you should be rewarded"

In his statement, Li said that the entire team "deserved" the payout, and there will be a "big reward".

He said: "If you are a good footballer, you make the contribution to the country, you bring the pride and the joy back to all the Singaporeans, you deserve it, and you should be rewarded."

Singaporean fans turned up in force at Changi Airport to greet the returning Lions, even springing a birthday surprise on captain Hariss Harun.

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The team returned fresh off a historic 2-1 win over Hong Kong, which earned Singapore its first-ever Asian Cup qualification on merit.

Shawal Anuar and Ilhan Fandi scored two goals as Singapore came from behind to secure a comeback win.

They will be heading to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2027 to compete in the next stage of the Asian Cup.

Top photos by Mothership and via Football Association of Singapore/Facebook