S.League contributes $200million to economy

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http://sg.sports.yahoo.com/news/league-contributes-200million-economy-013000516--spt.html

Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president Zainudin Nordin revealed during a recent television interview that Singapore's only professional football league contributes $200million to the nation's economy.

Some might have been surprised by the high figure given that the S.League is struggling to attract crowds, as such, it must be noted that the figure represents the footballing industry's contribution to Singapore's economy as a whole and is not the income that local football receives annually.

In addition to revenue from match-going patrons, other things like clubs paying rental to the Singapore Sports Council for stadiums also factor into the amount.

The FAS has further explained the other areas from which local football derives its income.

The local football scene also provides many jobs, not just within the industry, but also in other industries when they are brought in and involved.

"Apart from football-specific jobs such as professional players, coaches, referees, fitness instructors and physiotherapists, the industry contributes to employment in other capacities including marketing, management, accounting, administration, sales, communications, F&B and media," FAS continued.

However, it is unlikely that clubs and players will care too much about the high figure if they do not benefit directly from it. Some clubs still have trouble in sustaining operations, and Gombak United pulling out of this year's campaign due to financial issues is a case in point.