The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) announced on Thursday, July 30, the postponement of the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“As you are aware, this pandemic continues to pose enormous health, societal and economic challenges to us all. AFF’s top priority continues to be the health and safety of our football family and mitigating the impact of this pandemic,” said AFF president major general Khiev Sameth.

“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.”

There are no dates yet announced for the postponed football tournament, but the organization will continue to work closely with the various member associations and partners to monitor the situation.

In the 2018 edition, the Philippine Azkals clinched a semifinal berth but bowed out of the tournament after losing to eventual champion Vietnam.

The match took place in Hanoi, where the Philippine men’s football team rose to prominence for nailing a historic semifinal appearance in the 2010 edition.

The 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup recorded a total fan attendance of 75,000 thanks to the shift to a home-and-away format that attracted home crowds of participating countries in the 10-team tournament. – Rappler.com