In a groundbreaking announcement to the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), FIFA confirmed that matches in the ASEAN Cup will now be classified as Category A fixtures. This puts the tournament on par with FIFA World Cup qualifiers, continental championships, and other major global football events.

This recognition marks a significant milestone for the ASEAN Cup, which has evolved over nearly three decades through various iterations such as the Tiger Cup, AFF Cup, and now the ASEAN Cup.

The FIFA endorsement not only elevates the tournament's stature but also brings tangible benefits. National teams can now officially call up players from clubs for participation. This development is particularly advantageous for teams like Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, which have numerous players competing in overseas leagues.

Implications for the 2024 ASEAN Cup

Despite the FIFA recognition, team rosters for the 2024 ASEAN Cup have already been finalized, meaning no changes to player selections can be made. However, the new status ensures higher ranking points for every match won, offering teams an opportunity to climb the FIFA World Rankings.

For Vietnam, this could be a chance to improve their position. The national team, led by coach Kim Sang Sik, currently ranks 116th globally, trailing Southeast Asia’s top team, Thailand, by 19 places (ranked 97th).

The official FIFA designation is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the ASEAN Cup, with its matches now carrying greater significance for global rankings. It also solidifies the tournament's reputation as a key fixture in the international football calendar, further promoting Southeast Asian football on the global stage.

Dai Nam