If Singapore qualifies for the 2027 Asian Cup, Gavin Lee could lose his job.
Singapore secured their 2-1 Asian Cup 2027 qualification spot after 41 years by beating Hong Kong, earning a reward of 2 million Singapore dollars. However, the FAS (Football Association of Singapore) is still considering a foreign coach, leaving Gavin Lee's position open.
Immediately after their 2-1 victory over Hong Kong secured Singapore's place in the 2027 Asian Cup finals one match early – ending a 41-year wait – interim coach Gavin Lee still faces the risk of losing his job as the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) continues to interview foreign candidates.
A historic ticket, a huge reward, and an emotional high.
The Singapore national team returned to a frenzied welcome from their fans. Accompanying their achievement was a "huge" reward: FAS Chairman Forrest Li confirmed the bonus would be doubled to S$2 million, equivalent to approximately 40 billion Vietnamese Dong. He emphasized: "If you are a good football player, you contribute to your country, you bring pride and joy to the people of Singapore, you deserve to be rewarded."
On the coaching bench, Gavin Lee – 35 – was the highlight of the campaign, leading Singapore to two wins and one draw in three matches under his charge. He was only appointed on an interim basis after coach Tsutomu Ogura stepped down in June, but the results exceeded expectations, immediately putting Lee at the center of debate.
The hot seat is vacant: domestic or foreign?
According to the Straits Times, the FAS (Football Association of Singapore) launched a search for a permanent head coach alongside appointing Lee. Two notable names, Nick Montgomery and Jesus Casas, flew to Singapore for interviews, but no final decision has been reached. The race has therefore become tense, with internal debates arising between the option of a foreign coach and the trust placed in a domestic coach after nine years.
In that context, the message from FAS both acknowledged achievements and left the door open for other options. Chairman Forrest Li stated: “We will talk to Gavin, see what he wants to do. Based on what Gavin has achieved, he would be a very strong candidate that we should consider, but we also have other very strong candidates being considered. I think we are in a good position, we have good options.”
A historic moment and a turning point before the finals.
The 2-1 victory against Hong Kong not only secured an early ticket to the next round but also provided a rare morale boost for the island nation's football. The ripple effect domestically after a 41-year wait could be the catalyst for any successor manager, whether it's a continuation with Gavin Lee or a bold move with a foreign coach.
The personnel dilemma now lies in choosing between the man who made history in the qualifying rounds and the international candidates who have already appeared for interviews. The FAS's decision will shape Singapore's coaching staff for the 2027 Asian Cup – where expectations and pressure will be greater than at any time in decades.
The numbers are noteworthy.
- Score: Singapore 2-1 Hong Kong
- Asian Cup 2027 tickets secured one round early, ending a 41-year wait.
- Record under interim manager Gavin Lee: 2 wins, 1 draw/3 matches
- Bonus: 2 million Singapore Dollars (equivalent to 40 billion Vietnamese Dong)
- The head coach selection process: FAS interviewed foreign coaches, including Nick Montgomery and Jesus Casas.
Will the FAS retain the man who created this miracle, or will they choose a bolder path for the 2027 Asian Cup? The answer will determine not only the identity of the head coach, but also the playing style that Singapore will bring to the continent's biggest tournament.
