Kuala lumpur: FIFA president Gianni Infantino today unveiled a new regional football tournament, FIFA ASEAN Cup, which will involve all 11 Southeast Asian nations. Infantino stated that the tournament will be held during the FIFA International Match Calendar to create greater impact in the region, which has a population of about 700 million people.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Infantino emphasized the purpose of the competition as a means to boost football in the region, showcasing the best players within FIFA's international match calendar. He expressed that the tournament aims to unite the region and shine on the global stage, reflecting the unifying power of football. Infantino made these remarks after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on regional football development at the 47th ASEAN Summit held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

The MoU was signed by Infantino and ASEAN secretary-general Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim witnessing the event in his capacity as the ASEAN 2025 Chair. Infantino highlighted FIFA's commitment to strengthening its efforts and expanding development initiatives in the region through the MoU. He outlined the three pillars of the agreement: integrity in the game, ensuring a safe and secure environment for matches, and promoting education through football to foster development for all genders and ages in the region.

Infantino noted the symbolic significance of ASEAN's 11 member countries, likening them to a football team of 11 players, ready to win matches. He expressed FIFA's eagerness to continue collaboration with ASEAN based on these principles. Additionally, Infantino shared optimism regarding recent peace initiatives between Israel and Palestine, following the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, and a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. He underscored FIFA's mission to unite and build bridges among people and nations through the sport of football.