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This year’s edition of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, event organizers said, lamenting the unfortunate development they hope to host the championship in full format next. year.
Originally scheduled for November through December this year, the biennial regional soccer match will now be played from April 11 to May 8. It is expected that by the time some clarity and improvement has been achieved regarding the situation with the pandemic.
The AFF said the latest decision was made with the firm intention of hosting the championship in its full format, played at home and away in all qualifying nations in Southeast Asia.
The decision was also made after consulting with the region’s soccer federations and other relevant authorities, believing that the new dates for the tournament are suitable to accommodate national soccer schedules and give the organizers sufficient time to monitor the situation closely to ensure safety and well-being. -Being from all players, coaches, partners, fans and the public.
“We are delighted with the positive support we have had from our member associations and that we have been able to find a suitable window next year to host our most anticipated tournament. While we are aware that the fight against the global pandemic is not over, we are cautiously optimistic that the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup will be held in its full format, as we hope to deliver the best of ASEAN at the tournament next year “, He said. AFF President Maj. Gen. Khiev Sameth in a statement.
Adding: “The AFF also hopes that the announcement of the 2021 tournament dates will provide some clarity in planning for our business partners, including sponsors and the media, at a time of uncertainty. AFF and our member associations wish to express their gratitude to all of our fans, players, coaches, officials, media and other partners for their unwavering support and commitment despite these challenging times, and we look forward to the AFF Suzuki Cup unifying the entire Southeast. Asian. When we can meet again
The Philippines have done well in the tournament, being a semifinalist in four of the last five editions of the Suzuki Cup. In 2018, the Azkals, then coached by Sven Goran-Eriksson, returned to the Final Four after missing out on the previous edition. They stormed into the semifinals by finishing second in their group in group play before bowing to eventual champion Vietnam in the two-match semifinals, 4-2, on aggregate.
The team recently extended the term of current coach Scott Cooper, who promised to help the team “as it continues to make its mark on Asian and world soccer.” – Michael Angelo S. Murillo
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