AFF Celebrates Regional Successes, Advances Earthquake Relief and Confirms Strategic Appointments

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) held its 8th Council Meeting on 11 April 2025 in a hybrid format alongside the 35th AFC Congress, chaired by AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth.

The session opened with a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of recent earthquakes in Thailand and Myanmar. The Council approved a USD100,000 donation to support relief efforts in Myanmar, coordinated through the Myanmar Football Federation (MFF).

The Council celebrated key football achievements across the region. Vietnam was congratulated for winning the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ (AMEC) 2024, with praise also extended to Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines for their strong performances. The Philippines’ historic first-ever win over Thailand was notably highlighted.

AMEC 2024 achieved unprecedented levels of engagement:

  • 541.5 million viewers
  • 12.7 billion digital video views
  • 19.6 billion in total reach

The Council recognised the following Member Associations:

  • Indonesia (PSSI) – for qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025
  • Philippines – for continued preparations to host the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup 2025
  • Thailand – for reaching the Round of 16 at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024
  • Indonesia and Australia – for commendable performances in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers
  • Malaysia (FAM) – for its successful elections in February 2024 and the appointment of Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub as President

The ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ 2024/25 entered its knockout stages, with the finals scheduled for 14 and 21 May 2025.

In women’s football, the Council announced the launch of the ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup in August 2025, and noted that nine AFF nations will compete in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

Key committee appointments were confirmed:

AFF Competitions Committee:
  • Mr. Tun Tun Aung, General Secretary, Myanmar Football Federation
  • Mr. Ekapol Polnavee, General Secretary, Football Association of Thailand
AFF Development Committee:
  • Mrs. Nualphan Lamsam, President of the Football Association of Thailand, appointed Deputy Chairperson

The Council ratified the decisions of the Ad Hoc AFF Member Associations Development Programme Fund (MADPF) Committee and the AFF Finance Committee.

Additionally, the Council also noted the renewal of the AFF–EAFF Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Tokyo, reaffirming inter-regional collaboration. Discussions on a joint AFF–EAFF Championship are ongoing, with proceeds earmarked for charitable causes.