FIFA organizes separate tournament for Southeast Asia

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) will launch the FIFA ASEAN Cup - a regional tournament to promote football development in Southeast Asia.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn after signing the memorandum of understanding - Photo: FIFA

At the 47th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a new phase of cooperation.

The memorandum of understanding was signed between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, in the presence of ASEAN Chairman and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim.

This marks the second five-year collaboration between the two organizations, following the initial agreement signed in November 2019, which has already yielded many meaningful programs such as FIFA's Football for Schools program, health-related media campaigns, and educational and development workshops in Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized: "The new agreement between FIFA and ASEAN will help both organizations continue to make a difference, using football as a means of bringing hope and joy to millions of children and young people across Southeast Asia."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) presents a commemorative flag to ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn - Photo: FIFA

This partnership will promote the development of football, social progress, and healthy lifestyles across the region.

Under the new agreement, the two sides will strengthen coordination in five key areas: promoting integrity in sport; leveraging sport for socio-economic development; ensuring the development of football on and off the field; promoting inclusion and equality; and supporting adaptation to climate change.

Immediately after the signing ceremony, FIFA officially announced the launch of the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a tournament for national teams from FIFA member federations in Southeast Asia, organized on the model of the FIFA Arab Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino shared: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with the ASEAN community through the launch of the FIFA ASEAN Cup."

This will be a key highlight in the regional football calendar, providing an opportunity for Southeast Asia's best players to shine on the international stage.

Through the FIFA ASEAN Cup, we are connecting nations in the region, while simultaneously elevating national team football and developing the sports movement throughout Southeast Asia."

FIFA has stated that it will work closely with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF), and FIFA member federations in ASEAN countries to finalize the format for the FIFA ASEAN Cup in the near future.

This is indeed much-anticipated good news for football fans in the region.

NGUYEN KHOI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/fifa-to-chuc-rieng-giai-dau-cho-dong-nam-a-20251026211831507.htm