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The ASEAN Football Federation’s premier tournament has just received a new set of dates amid the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The AFF announced that the competition will take place from December 5, 2021 to January 1, 2022. It will comprise the round-trip format for the group and knockout stages, which began in the 2018 edition of the tournament.
“As always, our first priority is the health and safety of everyone associated with the event. As such, we have been monitoring Covid-19 developments, both within ASEAN and in the wider world, on an ongoing basis,“Said AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth.
“While there have been encouraging results in vaccine development, we are aware that the vaccine approval process, as well as the practicalities of distribution and implementation of vaccine programs around the world, including ASEAN, will take some time. weather”.
On September 25, 2020, the AFF declared that the competition would take place from April 11 to May 8, 2021. However, since Southeast Asia is only beginning to recover from the coronavirus disease at this time , the competition will be held in the second quarter of next year in all its glory is too optimistic.
“Given the complexities around organizing the event, and the many people and organizations that are affected by it, AFF believes in taking a pragmatic approach and making a thoughtful decision in advance that will allow event stakeholders to have a enough notice to reorganize their activities, and so that the planning for the end of the year can focus on the AFF Suzuki Cup as a great occasion for football in the region as it always has been. Sameth said.
However, one thing to note is that the new schedule for the tournament will give AFF members food for thought, as the 2021 SEA Games hosted in Vietnam are scheduled to take place from November 21, 2021 to December 2, 2021.
While the SEA Games is an under-23 competition for the men’s division and the Suzuki Cup is for a nation’s senior team, players who may have been qualified to play in both tournaments may be forced to compete in only one.
“Looking at the crowded soccer calendar for 2021, including national and international events that have been postponed from 2020, also makes holding our tournament in December an ideal time.” Sameth said.
“The new dates, from December 5 to January 1, 2022, will provide the best opportunity for the event to take place in its full format with home and away matches both in the group stage and in the knockout phase, and with stadiums full of fans to cheer and celebrate their teams. “
Assuming the competition is finally played, the Philippines are hoping to win the championship for the first time in their history after finishing in the semifinals again in 2018.
