Cardiff City player Perry Ng now Singapore citizen, awaits Fifa approval to play for the Lions

Cardiff City defender Perry Ng has become a Singapore citizen and is awaiting approval from FIFA to play for the national team, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced on Sunday. Born in England, the 30-year-old shared the news on Instagram, holding a Singapore passport, and expressing pride in his new status. Ng's family has long had connections to Singapore, and he considers it his home.

FAS president Forrest Li stated that the association has a "disciplined approach" when assessing players who could enhance the national team, emphasizing integration into society and readiness to fulfill citizenship responsibilities. Ng obtained Singapore permanent residency in March 2025, making him the first footballer to gain citizenship through the Foreign Sports Talent Scheme since 2010.

The scheme has seen other foreign-born athletes granted citizenship, including Agu Casmir, Mustafic Fahrudin, and Shi Jiayi. Fifa regulations allow Ng to represent Singapore through his late paternal grandfather, James, who was born in Singapore and later moved to Liverpool. Ng has maintained strong ties with Singapore, visiting relatives and participating in community activities.

FAS president Forrest Li recently met Ng, describing him as eager to start his international career. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Sport Singapore, and the Unleash The Roar! project supported Ng's citizenship application. Cardiff City recently extended Ng's contract for two more years. The association has not specified when Ng might receive his first call-up, pending FIFA clearance.