SINGAPORE (Reuters) – French side Etoile FC have become the first European team to join the Singaporean S.League after their entry and that of China’s Beijing Guoan were accepted by organisers on Monday.

The teams beat off competition from five other clubs from Asia, Africa and South America to enter the 12-team competition ahead of the new season, which begins next month.

“Etoile FC is very happy to be here,” team CEO Johann Gouttefangeas told reporters at the Jalan Besar Stadium. “I hope everyone will support us on this project.”

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There’s no point denying it, Singapore’s professional football competition is in dire straits. With players departing to Indonesia, paltry crowds and a distinct lack of sponsor support, all in a football-crazy country, the S-League needs to be overhauled. John Davidson nominates five ways it can be improved:

1 – Target foreign players

I am not talking about your second-rate Englishmen or mediocre foreigners in other Asian leagues. The S-League needs to aim for quality stars that are nearing their need of their glorious careers. Think of the boost that Gabriel Batistuta gave to Qatar when he played there, or the interest generated in Australia when Dwight Yorke had a stint at Sydney FC. Robbie Fowler is one big-name import currently plying his trade down under that has boosted the A-League. These players can be enticed to Singapore for two reasons, its reputation as a great place to live and by a sizable pay packet, and can spice up media and public interest.

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