AFF Suzuki Cup to kick off in April 2021

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) announced on Monday, September 28, that it is set to stage the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup from April 11 to May 2021.

This comes after the postponement of Southeast Asia’s premier cup tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are delighted with the positive support that we have had from our member associations and that we have been able to find a suitable window next year to hold our most highly anticipated tournament,” said AFF president, Major General Khiev Sameth.

“While we are well aware that the fight against the global pandemic is not over, we are cautiously optimistic for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 to take place in its full format as we hope to deliver the best of ASEAN in the tournament next year.”

The plan is to stage the tournament in its full format – played on a home-and-away basis across the qualifying nations in Southeast Asia, depending on each country’s COVID-19 conditions and protocols.

The AFF Suzuki Cup Task Force committee consulted the region’s football federations and other authorities to lock down the dates and accommodate domestic football schedules.

The committee will be in charge of monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of all players, coaches, partners, fans, and the public.

Originally scheduled to take place in November and December this year, the AFF Suzuki Cup is the largest and most prestigious football tournament in Southeast Asia.

2018 champion Vietnam is set to defend its title against powerhouse Thailand, while the Philippine Azkals are aiming for a maiden Suzuki Cup Finals berth under head coach Scott Cooper. – Rappler.com