Suzuki Cup to occur this 2021

Vietnam won AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 | File Photo

By: Gil Mar Moriones

MANILA, Philippines – Despite of the bright and optimistic plans to go for the biggest football event in Southeast Asia, the ASEAN Football Federation decided to cancel this year’s Suzuki Cup citing pandemic reasons, Thursday. 

In a press statement issued by the competition’s exclusive commercial partner Sportfive, the federation chief explained its decision. 

“As you aware, this pandemic continues to pose enormous health, societal and economic challenges ti us all. AFF’s top priority continues to be the health and safety of our football family and mitigating the impact of this pandemic. With the risk of the spread of COVID-19 remaining high, the AFF finds itself in a situation where we cannot proceed safely with the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020.” 

“While these are unprecedented times for the whole world including our football family and communities, we are confident that we will get through it together with the support of all our stakeholders, including our fans, member associations, players, coaches, official, media and partners. We would like to thank them for standing united with us the fight against COVID-19”, wrote the AFF President, Khiev Sameth. 

However, it did not stated the specific time of the year the competition is planned to be held. 

Earlier, Vietnam expressed their willingness to host the 2020 edition from start to finish as the pandemic situation in the country continuing to ease. In fact, their domestic professional league were back in action. 

Unfortunately, the Vietnam Football Association (VFA) decided to suspend anew the pro league citing the new recorded COVID19 cases in the country. 

The Philippine Azkals finished anew in their semifinal run after being defeated by Vietnam which crowed as the champions of the 2018 Suzuki Cup.  

Follow him on Twitter: @gilpuyatstation