The ASEAN Football Federation may soon finalize its plan to implement a home-and-away format for the Suzuki Cup beginning in 2018.
Philippine Football Federation General Secretary Ed Gastanes said member nations of the AFF council are close to an agreement, which means that this year’s tournament format of two group stages and a home-and-away semis and finals could be the last.
“It’s not yet final, but more or less we are in agreement,” said Gastanes.
The AFF had planned to change the format this year, but decided to keep the current setup which will have the Philippines and Myanmar as co-hosts of Southeast Asia’s biggest football competition.
Should the format be changed in 2018, matches could be held during the international window while giving participating nations at least five home matches.
“More matches will be held, but mas maraming laro sa Pilipinas dahil lalaruan natin lahat,” said Gastanes.
The 2016 edition of the Suzuki Cup begins this Saturday at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan, with the Azkals grouped alongside defending champion Thailand, 2012 winner Singapore and Indonesia.
The other group set in Yangon with host Myanmar being joined by Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia.