KUALA LUMPUR — The announcement by Fifa regarding the inaugural Fifa 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 Asean 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.

Mohd 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 Asean 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 Fifa Asean Cup will become a symbol of the rise of Asean football 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 Fifa Asean Cup can be materialised for the advancement of football in this region,” he said.

Yesterday, Fifa launched the Fifa Asean Cup, which will gather all 11 Asean member nations on the largest regional football stage under the world football governing body.

Its president Gianni Infantino said the tournament is being introduced to 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.