Singapore Lions XII

LionsXII is a Singapore club based in Jalan Besar Stadium. Managed by the Football Association of Singapore, the squad marks the return of Singapore to the Malaysia football scene after leaving the Malaysia Cup in 1994. The name, "LionsXII" is a special tribute to the fans, who is generally recognised as football's "12th Man".

In 2011, the Football Association of Singapore and the Football Association of Malaysia reached an agreement that would see greater cooperation between the two nations. One of the intended avenues will see Young Lions play in the Malaysian Super League and Malaysia Cup from 2012 onwards, the first time a Singaporean team has participated in Malaysian domestic football since Singapore won the 1994 M-League and Malaysia Cup double. Although the new Singapore team will have the existing Young Lions set up at its core, the squad will be permitted up to five local players over the age of 23, as well as a number of overseas players in accordance with the quota set out by the rules of the Malaysian competitions the team will play in.

The LionsXII debuted in the 2012 Malaysia Super League with on 10 January with a 1–2 loss to defending champions Kelantan FA. The LionsXII's first win was a 2–1 victory over Kuala Lumpur FA on 17 January. The LionsXII's first away win was a 1–0 victory over Sabah FA on 21 January. LionsXII began their 2012 Malaysia FA Cup quest on 18 February 2012, with a 3–0 win over UiTM FC. The LionsXII made their way to the quarter-final with a 2–0 win over Betaria FC on 10 March, 2012. Unfortunately, they are beaten by Terengganu FA in the quarter-finals. On 16th June 2012, they posted their largest victory so far, which is also the largest victory in the 2012 MSL season, by thrashing Sabah FA 9-0 on their home ground, Jalan Besar Stadium. On 7 July 2012, it was confirmed that LionsXII will finish in second place due to defending champions Kelantan FA posting a 6-0 victory over Perak FA and manage to defend their crown with 2 games left and left LionsXII 7 points behind them, also with 2 games remaining. As 3rd place Selangor FA are 10 points behind LionsXII, they have no chance to finish 2nd.