What did the FIFA President say when announcing the organization of the FIFA ASEAN Cup?

FIFA and ASEAN signed a new phase cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, unveiling the launch of the FIFA ASEAN Cup.

At the 47th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed a new phase cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), simultaneously announcing the launch of the FIFA ASEAN Cup – a regional tournament aimed at promoting football development in Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized: “The new agreement between FIFA and ASEAN will enable both organizations to continue making a difference, using football as a tool to bring hope and joy to millions of children and youth throughout Southeast Asia. This partnership will drive football development, social progress, and healthy lifestyles across the region.”

Under the new agreement, both parties will enhance cooperation in five key areas: promoting integrity in sports; leveraging sports for socio-economic development; ensuring football development on and off the pitch; fostering inclusion and equality; and supporting climate change adaptation capabilities.

“We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with the ASEAN community through the launch of the FIFA ASEAN Cup. This will be a major highlight on the regional football calendar, providing an opportunity for the best players in Southeast Asia to shine on the international stage.

Through the FIFA ASEAN Cup, we are connecting countries in the region while elevating national team football and developing grassroots sports across Southeast Asia.”FIFA President Gianni Infantino affirmed.

Immediately following the signing ceremony, FIFA officially announced the launch of the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a tournament for national teams of FIFA member associations in Southeast Asia, modeled after the FIFA Arab Cup.

FIFA will work closely with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), and the FIFA member associations of ASEAN countries to finalize the competition format of the FIFA ASEAN Cup in the near future.