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The return of the largest soccer competition in Southeast Asia is now set in stone.
In an announcement made on Friday, the ASEAN Football Federation shared that the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will now take place from April 11 to May 8, 2021.
“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.”Said AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth.
Apart from the notification of the tournament dates, the aforementioned official shared that the organizing body expects to hold the matches in a round-trip format as was done in the 2018 edition.
“While we are aware that the fight against the global pandemic is not over, we are cautiously optimistic that the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 will be held in its full format, as we hope to deliver the best of ASEAN in the tournament next. year”. Sameth advanced.
This development occurs when the region’s soccer leagues are in the midst of ending or beginning their respective seasons. In the Philippines, the Philippine Football League clubs are already training with the approval of the Games and Entertainment Board and the Interagency Task Force.
“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 media broadcasters, at a time of uncertainty,Sameth added.
“AFF and our Member Associations wish to express gratitude to all of our fans, players, coaches, officials, the 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 South East Asia when we can meet again. “
When the tournament rolls around, the Philippine Men’s National Soccer Team, under the leadership of Scott Cooper, hopes to reach the final for the first time in history amidst being a perennial semi-finalist starting in 2010.
