courtesy www.aseanfootball.com

MALAYSIA TO TAKE OVER FROM CAMBODIA AS AFF FUTSAL HOSTS

PETALING JAYA (June 17, 2003) - Malaysia will replace Cambodia as the hosts for the Southeast Asian Futsal tournament, organised by the Asean Football Federation. The tournament will now be staged in Kuantan, Malaysia from July 1-7.

AFF honarary secretary, Dato' Paul Mony, said in a statement that Cambodia was unable to host the tournament due to problems with the venue. "AFF was informed yesterday that Cambodia will not be able to host the championship due to problems in securing the Futsal venue from the operators."

The statement said the decision was reached following discussions with the AFF Competitions Committee chairman, Ibrahim Othman. The FA of Malaysia, despite the short notice, agreed to host the regional tournament.

FAM secretary general, Datuk Dell Akbar Khan, said the AFF appealed to Malaysia to take over as hosts. "We were asked us to take over as Cambodia were unable to get their venue ready. We will send an inspection team to Kuantan and ensure that we get it ready in time for the tournament," he said.

Six countries including Malaysia will be participating. The other five countries are Cambodia, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. The tournament will be played out on a league format with the top two teams meeting in the final.

ASEAN Futsal Championship
Kuantan (Malaysia)
1-7/7/2003

Teams
Malaysia
Cambodia
Thailand
Brunei
Indonesia
Philippines

ASEAN Affiliates:
Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Laos
Malaysia
Myanmar
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam