Li Eyeing FAS' Top Post

Tech billionaire 'seriously considering' bid for presidency in upcoming elections

- Deepanraj Ganesan

There could be a contest for the Football Association of Singapore's (FAS) top post with tech billionaire Forrest Li "seriously considering" a bid for the presidency of the national sports association.

Li, 47, is the founder of home-grown tech firm Sea Limited and reportedly has a net worth of US$8.4 billion (S$11.3 billion). He ranked 12th on Forbes' Singapore 50 richest list in 2024.

New York Stock Exchange-listed Sea Limited owns e-commerce platform Shopee and also operates businesses in gaming and digital finance.

Sources who spoke to The Straits Times on condition of anonymity said that Li, who is the chairman of Singapore Premier League (SPL) club Lion City Sailors, has discussed with his close allies the possibility of contesting the upcoming FAS elections, which must be held by the end of April.

When approached for comment by ST, a spokesman for Li said: "Forrest received some suggestions from the fraternity to step up for the presidency at the FAS elections this year. Many feel he can help improve Singapore football.

"I can confirm he is seriously considering running for the role of president."

It is not yet clear who will be in Li's team if he stands for election. His slate must have eight other candidates for the roles of deputy president, four vice-presidents and three council members.

Li is not the only one who could feature in the FAS elections.