Singapore Festival of Football Set to Return in July with Arsenal, AC Milan and Newcastle United

Singapore Festival of Football has previously seen big clubs like Liverpool, AS Roma and Bayern Munich take each other on at the Singapore National Stadium

PHOTO: SFOF

SINGAPORE, 11 APRIL 2025 – TEG Sport and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) today announced the return of the Singapore Festival of Football (SFOF) in a five-year partnership that will see regular top-flight European football fixtures played in Singapore in alternate years (2025, 2027 and 2029). 

This year’s SFOF will feature 19-time Serie A champions AC Milan, English Premier League giants Arsenal FC and newly-crowned Carabao Cup champions Newcastle United FC. Arsenal FC will play their first match against AC Milan on 23 July and host an open training session two days later before playing Newcastle United FC on 27 July. Both fixtures as well as the open training session will be held at the National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub.

The tournament was launched on Friday (11 April) at Pan Pacific Hotel with legends from each of the participating clubs – Bacary Sagna from Arsenal FC, Serginho of AC Milan and Shay Given of Newcastle United FC –in attendance.

Timothy Ho, Managing Director, TEG Asia said: “We are delighted with the partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board. The nation’s location, efficiency and passion for European football make it a natural spot for teams to conduct their pre-season training and connect with their fans in Southeast Asia. This is not the first time we’ve brought European football clubs to Singapore and this partnership will allow us to continue allowing fans here to enjoy world-class football on a regular basis. The tournament will reunite fans in Singapore with their beloved clubs with the Gunners returning for the first time since 2018 and the Magpies since 1996. AC Milan fans will also get to watch their club play live for the first time in Singapore.”

PHOTO: SFOF

Ms Melissa Ow, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board said: "We are pleased to welcome the return of the Singapore Festival of Football to Singapore this July. This partnership will bring some of Europe's most prestigious football clubs to Singapore, creating memorable experiences for both local and visiting fans. This event adds to our vibrant calendar and also reinforces Singapore's appeal as a must-visit destination. We look forward to welcoming the teams, fans and visitors to experience Singapore's diverse offerings and warm hospitality."

AC Milan Honorary Vice President Franco Baresi commented: “We are thrilled to be part of the Singapore Festival of Football this summer and to play our first-ever match in Singapore. It will be a special moment for the Club and for all our fans in this part of the world – a historic first that promises to be unmissable for anyone who loves the Rossoneri colours. AC Milan boasts a rich history and a truly international vision – from Milan to the hearts of our supporters all around the globe – and we can’t wait to bring our spirit to the National Stadium and feel the energy and passion of our fans in Singapore.”

Arsenal Managing Director, Richard Garlick said: “Our men’s first team squad enjoyed trips to Singapore in both 2015 and 2018, when we made some great memories playing in the impressive National Stadium, where we return to play again this year. Our trip will give us the opportunity to connect with our supporters in this beautiful region, with the matches against AC Milan and Newcastle United promising to produce two exciting games, providing the squad with high quality preparation ahead of the new season.”

PHOTO: SFOF

Newcastle United’s Sporting Director, Paul Mitchell added: "We're honoured to be coming to Singapore to play in the Festival of Football this summer. Pre-season is a crucial time for us, and our visit provides us with elite facilities and opposition as we look to optimise performance ahead of a Premier League season. We're blessed to have amazing supporters everywhere, and we're excited to be coming to the National Stadium to play in front of them."

The inaugural SFOF in 2023 welcomed over 130,000 fans to the National Stadium where English clubs Liverpool FC, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City FC as well as German powerhouse Bayern Munich played three top-class matches over a week.

TEG Sport has hosted match-ups at some of the most renowned venues across the world and counts some of the world’s most valued sports teams as its partners.

Tickets for the Singapore Festival of Football 2025 go on sale to the General Public on Friday 25 April 2025 at 12 noon. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the waitlist on Ticketek Singapore by Monday, 21 April 2025 to gain access to exclusive pre-sale and other promotional activities.