Hong Kong looks set to host the second tier of the new-look Fifa Asean Cup this year following an agreement reportedly reached ahead of the world governing body’s annual conference on Thursday in Vancouver.
There has been no confirmation of which sides will take part in Division 1 and Division 2, but, according to the rankings, the Hong Kong-hosted competition is likely to feature Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, the winners of the play-off between Brunei and Timor Leste, and the invited hosts.
Apparently scheduled to be shown in Indonesia, the first flight will involve Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and the home country.
Fifa, the Asean Football Confederation and the Hong Kong Football Association, China (HKFA) have all been contacted for comment. None responded by press time.
The most open time for the competition will be during the new Fifa window established from September 21 to October 6.
Precedent may indicate a later date is possible, given that in its earlier conceptions the tournament has usually been played towards the end of the year. The 2024 Asean Championship, won by Vietnam, started in December that year and spilled over into the following January.
