T

he 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup, which was jointly organized by AFF and Suzuki Motors Corporation, increased cash prizes for the champion, runners-up and two semifinal-losing teams. The champion will win US$300,000, the runners-up $100,000 and the two semifinal-losing teams $50,000 each.

Suzuki Motors in partnership with the AFF has provided sponsors to the previously known Tiger Cup and ASEAN Championship since 2008. Previously, Suzuki awarded the champions with $100,000 in 2008 and 2010 and $200,000 in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

The AFF applied a new format to Suzuki Cup tournament in 2018. The nine highest ranked teams would be qualified automatically.  The 10th and 11th placed teams have to play a two-legged qualifier.

According to the new format, Brunei and Timor Leste played home and away play-offs that were conducted on Sept. 1 and 8 with the latter securing qualification. Now, the teams that are going to take part in the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup are Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos in the Group A and Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Timor Leste in Group B.  

Meanwhile, U Zin Myo Aung will act as FIFA Futsal referee at the 2018 AFF Futsal Championship to be held in Indonesia. The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) officially assigned U Zin Myo Aung to AFF Futsal Championship 2018. Indonesia will host the 2018 AFF Futsal Championship in Yogyakarta from Nov. 5 to 11. The AFF Futsal Championship has been divided into two groups. Myanmar is in Group A together with host Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia. Group B comprises Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei and Timor Leste.