Singapore Lions Head Coach Tsutomu Ogura Resigns, Gavin Lee Named Interim

Tsutomu Ogura has stepped down as the head coach of the Singapore national football team due to personal reasons, with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) confirming his departure in June 2025. Ogura, who was appointed in February 2024 on a two-year contract, cited the need to return to Japan for pressing personal matters, and despite efforts by FAS to retain him, the situation was untenable. During his tenure, Ogura led the Lions to notable achievements including reaching the 2024 ASEAN Championship semi-finals and securing consecutive wins in Asian Cup qualifiers, which currently place Singapore atop their qualifying group. Former Tampines Rovers coach Gavin Lee has been appointed interim head coach while FAS actively searches for a permanent replacement who can elevate Singapore football. Ogura is the third consecutive Japanese coach for the team, following predecessors Takayuki Nishigaya and Tatsuma Yoshida. The FAS expressed appreciation for Ogura's professionalism and contributions and wished him well in his future endeavors.