Singapore’s third richest billionaire Forrest Li to head national football association

By Minh Hieu April 20, 2025 | 07:31 pm PT

Forrest Li, founder and chairman of Sea Limited. Photo courtesy of the Singapore National Olympic Council

Billionaire businessman Forrest Li, founder of tech giant Sea Limited, is set to become president of the Football Association of Singapore after his opponent in an upcoming election was disqualified.

Li, 47, announced his intention to run for the position last month. His team of nine candidates was expected to face off against a slate led by Darwin Jalil, former vice chairman of the Balestier Khalsa FC, but the latter was ruled ineligible to contest the election, CNA reported.

As the only candidate qualified for the council election on Apr. 28, Li will become the association’s chief, FAS announced last Friday.

In a statement quoted by The Straits Times, Li expressed his ambition to rejuvenate Singapore football during his time in office.

"As council president, my mission will be to bring that joy and pride back to Singapore football," he said, noting that his team’s focus will be on bringing together all stakeholders in the local football scene.

"We can work together to improve the entire ecosystem, and drive real, meaningful change for the future of Singapore football."

Li, founder and chairman of tech giant Sea Limited, was ranked Singapore’s third-wealthiest individual in Forbes’ 2025 World’s Billionaires List released earlier this month, boasting a net worth of US$8.6 billion, .

A longtime football enthusiast, he currently chairs Singapore-based professional club Lion City Sailors. The team was formerly known as Home United before being acquired and rebranded by Sea in 2020.

The firm has also made notable contributions to football across the region. Its gaming division, Garena, sponsored the Young Lions football club in 2016, while its e-commerce platform Shopee is the title sponsor of the 2024–25 ASEAN Club Championship.