The Singapore Premier League (SPL) increased its foreign player quota to allow clubs to field up to seven foreigners simultaneously for the 2025-26 season, the highest in league history [1, 2, 3]. Despite the expanded quota, analysts and former coaches noted the quality of foreign imports did not raise competitiveness significantly. Many failed to stand out on the field. [1, 2, 3]
Concerns grew over the impact of the quota on local player opportunities. "If we don’t have good quality foreigners, then you might as well just play some local guys and give them minutes," said Rhysh Roshan Rai, reflecting worries that local talent was being sidelined [1]. Former coaches also cited a wide range in match quality, pointing out performances varied from good to "really, really bad" [1, 2, 3].
Observers urged greater financial support for SPL teams beyond the dominant Lion City Sailors to attract higher caliber foreigners. Roshan Rai added, "I would love to see more funding come into the other teams so that they’re able to challenge a little bit more... bring a better quality player in if the rules around the foreigners are going to stay the way they are" [1]. Shasi Kumar further noted some foreign players appeared "there to make up the numbers," indicating the uneven quality across squads [1].
On the bright side, a handful of foreign signings impressed consistently. Notably, BG Tampines Rovers striker Hide Higashikawa, a 23-year-old Japanese player on loan from J2 side Tochigi City, scored 18 goals this season [1, 2, 3]. His performance stood out amid a largely uneven foreign cohort.
Questions were raised about the SPL2 development league’s effectiveness, especially as some first-team players took part, potentially hindering the growth of local prospects [1, 2, 3].
The 2025-26 season concluded with Lion City Sailors securing the league title on May 3, 2026, clinching the championship with two matches to spare [1, 2, 3].
