Philippines following Thailand to give up the AFF Cup 2020

Due to the impact of the disease, the Philippine Sports Commission decided to cancel all sports activities until December 2020. A series of important events like Paragames 10, United Football League will not held. Especially, the home matches of the Philippines national team will be in the same situation.

An official from the Philippines Football Federation told the press: "The league must take a break until December, which will seriously affect the national team's preparations. We are still waiting for the situation, but we cannot say anything right now. ”

As such, it is difficult for the Philippines team to focus on preparing for the AFF Cup 2020. Not only that, even when participating in the tournament, the Philippines can lose nearly the main squad due to many players playing football in Thai. League. Thai clubs have the right to not release its players because the AFF Cup is not a tournament in the FIFA system.

In addition to the Philippines, even the Thai team is not interested in the AFF Cup 2020. FAT president  has revealed that the Changsuek is considering not attending the tournament this year. They worry about matches at the AFF Cup 2020 that will overlap with the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Asia.

Another option also considered is sending the U23 squad to the tournament. This will give their pillars more time to prepare for the 2022 World Cup qualifier.

>>> Thai leader: 'Akira Nishino will decide the squad to the AFF Cup 2020'