AFF Highlights Growth of Regional Football and Confirms 2025 Competition Calendar

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) convened its 7th Council Meeting on Sunday, 5 January 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, chaired by AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth. The meeting coincided with the second leg of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ (AMEC) 2024 Final between Thailand and Vietnam.

The Council began with a moment of silence in memory of Atty. Edwin Gastanes, former General Secretary of the Philippine Football Federation and respected member of the AFC and AFF Legal Committees, who passed away recently.

The Council welcomed Mr. Pye Phyo Tay Za as the newly elected Council Member representing Myanmar.

The following Member Associations were acknowledged for recent milestones:

  • Vietnam was congratulated for winning the inaugural ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship 2024.
  • The Philippines was commended for hosting the tournament and for its preparations to host the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup™ 2025.
  • Indonesia was recognised for winning the AFF Women’s Cup 2024, held in Laos.
  • Cambodia, Singapore, and Indonesia were congratulated for qualifying for the ASEAN Women’s Championship 2025.
  • The Lao Football Federation was thanked for hosting the AFF Women’s Cup 2024 and supporting the AFF Congress in November 2024.

The Council praised all teams participating in AMEC 2024. Special commendation was extended to:

  • The Philippines, for reaching its first-ever AMEC semi-final, including a first-leg win over Thailand and their first victory against Thailand in 52 years.
  • Singapore, for a strong semi-final showing against Vietnam.

Congratulations were extended to Thailand and Vietnam for advancing to the final, with anticipation expressed for the crowning of the AMEC 2024 champion later that evening.

The Council reaffirmed the developmental value of AFF competitions in providing exposure, unity, and a pathway to higher levels of play. The AFF’s 2025 competition calendar was confirmed, including:

  1. ASEAN U-15/U-16 Girls’ Championship
  2. ASEAN U-18/U-19 Girls’ Championship
  3. ASEAN Women’s Championship
  4. ASEAN U-23 Championship
  5. ASEAN U-16 Boys’ Futsal Championship
  6. ASEAN U-19 Boys’ Futsal Championship
  7. ASEAN Futsal Club Championship
  8. ASEAN Club Championship