FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Sunday announced the launch of a new regional football competition for Southeast Asia during the ASEAN summit in Malaysia.
The region currently hosts the biennial ASEAN Championship, with Vietnam crowned champions in January. However, Infantino said the newly proposed tournament will be scheduled in FIFA’s international match window, ensuring participation of national team players based in leagues around the world.
“With the FIFA ASEAN Cup, we are bringing nations closer, and this tournament will be a major success,” Infantino said. “It will strengthen national team football in the ASEAN region and contribute to the wider growth of the sport across Southeast Asia.”
His announcement came just hours after East Timor officially became the 11th member of ASEAN.
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“The number 11 has special meaning in football since each team fields 11 players,” Infantino noted.
Among ASEAN nations, Indonesia was the only side to progress beyond the third round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Organizers expect the new Southeast Asian competition to mirror the structure of the Arab Cup. FIFA said it will hold discussions with stakeholders, including the Asian Football Confederation, before finalizing the format and schedule.
Source: AP