FIFA confirms to hold a special tournament for Southeast Asian teams

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the tournament was created to breathe new life into football in the region, while also serving as a symbol of unity among ASEAN nations through football, the world's most popular sport .

"This will have an impact not only on the Southeast Asian region but also on the whole world ," he said after the signing of the memorandum of understanding on football development between ASEAN and FIFA today (October 26).

The MoU was signed by Infantino and the ASEAN Secretary General, witnessed by the leaders of all ASEAN countries. Infantino described the MoU between FIFA and the 11 ASEAN member countries as very special.

There will be a new tournament for 11 ASEAN teams.

“The number 11 is a symbolic number in the world of football because each team consists of 11 players,” he stressed. “This tournament aims to make a real impact, not only in the region but also around the world. Football unites the world and we are uniting the world together with the 11 ASEAN countries. The FIFA ASEAN Cup will be a great success in the region,” he said.

However, he did not provide any details about the new format or explain how it would affect the ASEAN Cup (formerly the AFF Cup), which is still a regional championship for 11 countries. It has been held since 1994, with Vietnam being the defending champions.

In the MoU, Infantino said the partnership focuses on several core principles, namely the integrity of the tournament, a safe and secure environment for matches with the ultimate goal of developing football across the region.

“We want to ensure that football continues to grow in a safe environment and nurtures generations of young men, women and children in the region,” he said.