DIVISION 2 OPENS WITH A HARD-FOUGHT STALEMATE

Season 17 of the Sunday Premier League kicked off this week, though Division 2 opened quietly with just one fixture on the card. Out of the nine teams in the division, only two took to the pitch, as the rest opted for a Block Out date. Still, the lone encounter provided plenty of drama, effort, and promise for the season ahead. This year’s campaign begins on a positive note, with every match set to be officiated by certified Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Match Officials. The X-League continues to serve as a vital platform for developing referees, helping them gain valuable match experience while upholding the spirit of the game. The curtain-raiser saw newly promoted Class FC, who finished third in Division 3 last season, take on EZ Utd FC, a side making their return to competitive social football. From kick-off, both teams looked evenly matched. Chances came and went, but the finishing touch was missing at both ends. The goalkeepers took centre stage with a series of superb saves, ensuring the match ended goalless despite the relentless attacking play. Before the match, both captains were presented with special Respect Campaign armbands, as part of the ongoing initiative by the FAS to promote sportsmanship across Singapore football. Launched in 2019, the campaign’s tagline “Earn It” serves as a reminder that respect must be earned through words and actions by players, coaches, officials, and fans alike. The programme aims to reduce abuse towards referees and foster a more positive football environment for all. Shoutouts go to Ruban Kumar from EZ Utd, as well as Muhammad Shafiq and Sean Lim from Class FC, who stood out with tireless displays. It’s early days, but both sides have shown that they possess the quality and work rate to make their mark this season. Season 17 of the X-League is proudly sponsored by Agent Azhar Sulaiman, Hombre, Dendeng Duo, and Grandsport Singapore. *Laggau FC has been removed from the X-League due to disciplinary issues following events that took place on April 26, 2026. As a result, league tables and standings may not tally with published weekly reports.