Gianni Infantino - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The announcement by FIFA regarding the inaugural Asean Cup has been described as a historic step in the development of football in the region.
Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) acting president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said the announcement is highly significant not only for football in Asean but also for Malaysia, as it was made in conjunction with the regional 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 today (Oct 27).
Yusoff added that the organisation of the championship is expected to open a new chapter for Asean football under the FIFA umbrella while providing an important platform to elevate the competitive level of teams in the region.
According to him, the initiative will also strengthen ties among the region's countries through sportsmanship and friendship, while enhancing the quality of competition 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 tournament will become a symbol of the rise of Aseanfootball on the world stage,” he said.
However, Yusoff noted that the organisation of the tournament remains at the early discussion stage and requires further detailed discussions before it can be fully realised.
"In any case, we hope the tournament can be materialised for the advancement of football in this region," he said.
On Sunday, FIFA launched the Cup, which would gather all 11 member nations on the largest regional football stage under the world football governing body.
President Gianni Infantino said the tournament would provide a new injection of spirit into football in the region, while symbolising the unity of Asean nations through the world’s most popular sport. – Bernama
