Three Countries Vie To Replace Philippines As AFF Cup Co-Hosts

Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore "offered to step in as co-hosts" of the 2016 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup after the Philippines withdrew following a contractual row about the use of the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, according to Patrick Johnston of REUTERS. A decision on who will join Myanmar in co-hosting the Nov. 19-Dec. 17 tournament for the 11 countries in Southeast Asia "will be made on March 12 in Vietnam." AFF General Secretary Azzuddin Ahmad said, "Right now Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia are the countries who have stated their interest." Singapore "co-hosted the biennial event with Vietnam in 2014 but the National Stadium pitch in the city-state came under fire for its poor quality." Malaysia "staged the tournament two years earlier along with Thailand, the current champions" (REUTERS, 2/25).