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The Football Association of Singapore has the distinction of being one of the oldest national associations in world football, formed in 1892. The game was brought to the island by British servicemen and traders and until 1996, the country's game was closely linked to neighbours Malaysia.
Singapore emerged as the first winners of the Malaysian Cup in 1921, going on to win or share the title a total of 22 times before withdrawing in 1994, after completing their final league and cup double in the Malaysian League to form their own professional league.
The S-League was launched in 1996 at a cost of US$5 million with the inaugural eight clubs expanded to 12 presently. Singapore first became a member of FIFA in 1952, followed by AFC two years later.
Through the S-League, two clubs have made it to the inaugural 2004 AFC Cup semi finals, AFC's second tier tournament, which speaks progress of Singapore's club football scene.
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