ASEAN countries form own soccer group

ASEAN countries form own soccer group

BANGKOK (AFP): Football associations from the seven ASEAN countries on Friday formed their own group to increase their soccer profile.

The setting up of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) was described as "a historic moment for any football fan in Southeast Asia," by veteran Indonesian soccer official Nabon Noor.

"With the creation of this new body we can increase the number of football competitions in the region and so help improve standards."

Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines and Vietnam -- all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations -- have set up the AFF. Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia are associate members as they are in the political group.

ASEAN has some of the world's most dynamic economies, but its football standards are more modest -- with Malaysia and Singapore better known abroad for their match fixing.

The new body will have no standing within the international football hierarchy but it has immediate plans to hold a Southeast Asian football championships.

Singapore will host the first tournament next September with the top eight teams from the soccer tournament at the recent Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. The host won the winner. Cambodia and Brunei will not take part.

The AFF also wants to launch its own development program in Indochina, which has fallen behind because of years of war and political isolation.

"We hope to have at least one coaching and referees' clinic in each of the ASEAN countries every year," said Noor, a vice- president of the Asian Football Confederation, the governing body for Asia.

Worrawee Makudi of Thailand was appointed the first general secretary of the AFF.