AN ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE PROSPECTS FOR PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The hot topic in the Singapore sports scene recently is professionalism in football. This thesis aims to apply the economics literature on professional football to the·question of the possibility of a professional football league in Singapore. It includes background information on the local football scene, a discussion of the problems which might arise and suggestions as to how to go professional, and finally whether it is a feasible plan for football activities. The following is the breakdown on the structure of the thesis.

In chapter one, I will first review the economic theories relating to the economics of professional team sports. They can be broadly classified under the heading of the demand and supply for professional team sports, market failure in professional team sports, sports sponsorship and the role of government.

In chapter two, a brief history of the Malaysia Premier League and Malaysia Cup will be featured. It will also touched upon the other commitments of FAS.

In chapter three, I will present the case for a Singapore League. It includes the reasons for Singapore's recent withdrawal from Malaysia Cup. It will also look into the necessary conditions for a Singapore Professional League utilizing the arguments from the literature review.

In chapter four, we will look at the prospects for a pro-league in Singapore. Details on the country's attitudes towards a pro-league, plans for professional football, problems that we may encounter and finally some suggestions for the problems will be given. After this, we will examine the efforts put in by FAS and the government in recent years to promote sports in Singapore. Then the question of whether professionalism in football is feasible in Singapore will be answered.

In chapter five, I will give an overall summary of the earlier chapters. It will also include the limitations of this thesis and some suggestions for further analysis.