by BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR – The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) might change the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 format to a single venue affair due to the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

AFF president Major General Khiev Sameth said the federation’s intention is to stage the tournament in its full format and schedule, including home and away matches at all stages, but various options for the tournament will be considered.

“We recognise the need to explore and be prepared for the impact of the pandemic, including possible alternative formats such as using centralised venues.

“The health and safety of our stakeholders will continue to be our top priority when we consider the various options. A further announcement of the event will be made in July,” he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, AFF also fixed Aug 10 for the official draw ceremony but said further details including the venue and format will be announced in due course.

AFF late last year announced that the biennial tournament will be held from Dec 5, 2021 till Jan 1, 2022. It was initially slated to be held from Nov 23 to Dec 31, 2020 but pushed to April 11-May 8, 2021 due to the pandemic.

Malaysia won their only AFF Suzuki Cup title under the guidance of coach Datuk K. Rajagobal in 2010 and have also entered the final on three other occasions – in 1996, 2014 and 2018.