AFF Council Celebrates ASEAN Football Progress and Launches Key Initiatives

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) held its 5th Council Meeting for the 2022–2026 term on 21 May 2024 in Hanoi, Vietnam, chaired by AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth, alongside the Official Draw of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™.

The Council congratulated Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam for qualifying for both the AFC Asian Cup 2023 and the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024. Special recognition was given to Australia, Indonesia, and Thailand for reaching the Round of 16 in the Asian Cup. Australia’s extra-time quarter-final loss to South Korea and Malaysia’s 3–3 draw with South Korea were specifically highlighted. Vietnam and Indonesia were applauded for their strong U23 campaigns, with Indonesia reaching the semi-finals.

In futsal, the Council congratulated Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Australia for qualifying for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024, with Thailand reaching the final and securing FIFA Futsal World Cup qualification. The Council also praised Indonesia for hosting the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup, and commended the Philippines for their spirited group-stage performance.

The Council celebrated the successful launch of the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) 2024/25, with Shopee announced as the title sponsor and the Official Draw held in Ho Chi Minh City. The phased implementation of VAR for the ACC, pending FIFA approval, was approved, with SPORTFIVE bearing all associated costs and responsibilities.

To support infrastructure development, AFF introduced the Stadium Enhancement Fund (SEF), offering USD 50,000 to each participating club in the ACC group stage. The SEF will be administered by the AFF MADPF Committee.