The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has cancelled an upcoming international friendly between the Singapore men’s national football team and the Faroe Islands national football team, which was originally scheduled to take place on 26 March in Dubai.
The decision was announced after a growing war in the Middle East raised concerns about travel and security in the region.
Viral Video Highlights Cancellation
Football content creator @ashfutbolita on TikTok discussed the situation in a recent video, explaining that the Lions were expected to face the Faroe Islands in Dubai as part of their preparations for upcoming international fixtures.
According to the video, the friendly was called off due to the evolving war situation in the Middle East. The creator also noted that several flights to Dubai have reportedly been cancelled or postponed, leaving some travellers stranded across the region.
Ashfutbolita said the safety of players and staff ultimately took priority, echoing the reasoning later confirmed by Singapore’s football authorities.
FAS Cites Safety Concerns
In a statement, the Football Association of Singapore said it cancelled the match after consulting counterparts and stakeholders while assessing the developing situation in the Middle East.
“The cancellation … was made following a careful assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East and its potential implications for travel and match operations,” FAS said.
The association added that the “safety and well-being of our players, coaching staff, officials and supporters remain our foremost priority.”
Lions to Continue Training Instead
With the friendly called off, the Singapore men’s national football team will remain in Singapore and continue preparations through a centralised training programme.
The team is now focusing on its final AFC Asian Cup qualifying group match against Bangladesh national football team, scheduled for 31 March at the Singapore National Stadium.
Singapore has already secured qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup after defeating Hong Kong national football team in November and topping their group with 11 points.
Under tournament rules, head-to-head results take precedence over goal difference when teams are tied on points. This means Singapore’s place in the continental tournament is already guaranteed regardless of results on the final matchday, when Hong Kong national football team travel to face India national football team.
A Rare European Opponent
Had the match gone ahead, it would have been Singapore’s first senior international match against a European opponent in more than a decade.
The Lions last faced a team from UEFA in 2012, when they drew 2-2 with the Azerbaijan national football team.
For now, attention shifts to the upcoming clash with Bangladesh in Singapore — a match that could still draw strong interest from the many Bangladeshi football fans living and working in the city.
Watch a video here:
@ashfutbolita Singapore’s friendly against Faroe Islands in Dubai has been cancelled due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. FAS says the safety of players, staff and fans comes first. The Lions will now remain in Singapore for a training camp ahead of their final Asian Cup qualifier vs Bangladesh on March 31 at the National Stadium. Good news though – Singapore have already qualified for the 2027 Asian Cup. 🇸🇬 #sgsports #sgnews #afcqualifiers
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