KUALA LUMPUR: The announcement by FIFA regarding the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup has been described as a historic step in the development of football in the region.
Football Association of Malaysia acting president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said the announcement is highly significant not only for football in ASEAN but also for Malaysia.
He noted the announcement was made in conjunction with the ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur and chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“This announcement carries great symbolic meaning for Malaysia’s role and commitment in strengthening regional unity and cooperation through the sport of football,” he said in a statement.
Mohd Yusoff added that the organisation of the championship is expected to open a new chapter for ASEAN football under the FIFA umbrella.
He stated the tournament will provide an important platform to elevate the competitive level of teams in the region.
According to him, the initiative will also strengthen ties among ASEAN countries through sportsmanship and friendship.
The competition will enhance the quality of regional football as it will be held within the official FIFA calendar.
“We believe that with strong support from all member countries and the leadership of FIFA, the FIFA ASEAN Cup will become a symbol of the rise of ASEAN football on the world stage,” he said.
However, Yusoff noted that the organisation of the tournament remains at the early discussion stage.
He emphasised that further detailed discussions are required before the tournament can be fully realised.
“In any case, we hope the FIFA ASEAN Cup can be materialised for the advancement of football in this region,” he said.
FIFA launched the FIFA ASEAN Cup yesterday, which will gather all 11 ASEAN member nations on the largest regional football stage.
Its president Gianni Infantino said the tournament is being introduced to provide a new injection of spirit into football in the region.
He added that the competition symbolises the unity of ASEAN nations through the world’s most popular sport. – Bernama
