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.