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SINGAPORE: Defending champions Brunei DPMM will not participate for the remainder of this year’s Singapore Premier League (SPL) season, the Singapore Football Association (FAS) announced on Monday (October 26).
“DPMM FC has recently informed us that they cannot participate in their next matches, because there are currently no provisions in Brunei allowing them to travel to Singapore,” the FAS said in a press release.
“There is currently no confirmation of when travel can be resumed, due to the evolution of the COVID-19 situation around the world.”
The FAS noted that, together with the club, it had made “significant efforts” to explore mutually satisfactory arrangements for the team’s participation in the league.
“The current situation is unfortunate, but FAS appreciates that DPMM FC has done everything possible to regain its place in the SPL, but has to comply with Brunei’s national policies established to contain the virus,” the statement said.
The SPL resumed on October 17 after an absence of nearly seven months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The games are currently played behind closed doors and fans can only watch the matches on live broadcasts and select broadcast channels, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth said earlier this month.
READ: Singapore Premier League will resume on October 17, matches will be played behind closed doors
“As it is important that the FAS ensure that the 2020 SPL season can continue in order for the League to conclude in time for Singapore’s representatives for the 2021 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) club competitions to be determined, the FAS will proceed with the remainder of the 2020 SPL season without the defending champions, “the statement added Monday.
FAS President Lim Kia Tong noted that despite this, DPMM remains an “integral” part of the league.
DPMM has won the league twice, finishing runner-up twice.
“It is extremely regrettable that Brunei DPMM FC cannot join us for the resumption of the 2020 SPL campaign as I am sure that the SPL supporters and the other participating clubs look forward to seeing the reigning champions defend their title,” Lim said. . He said.
“However, we recognize that these are extraordinary circumstances, and the current situation leaves us with extremely limited options. Brunei DPMM FC has been a valued SPL participant for most of the decade and remains an integral part of our League. We look forward to welcoming you next season. “
READ: Brunei DPMM will not play in Community Shield due to its ‘travel restrictions’ on COVID-19: FAS
DPMM general manager Ali Haji Momin said that despite the club’s “best efforts”, travel restrictions have made the team unable to participate in the league.
“We were looking forward to defending our title this season,” he said, adding that his team hopes to return for the “2021 season in full force.”
Being left out of DPMM would mean the only game the club won against Tampines Rovers on March 6 will be forfeited, with 37 games to be completed in the season by the end of this year, FAS said.
