As the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) ushers in a new era of regional football, the Philippines is gearing up to compete in the first-ever ASEAN Club Championship, now officially known as the Shopee Cup™. In a landmark deal secured by AFF’s commercial partner, SPORTFIVE, e-commerce giant Shopee has been announced as the title and presenting partner for the AFF’s major ASEAN Championships.
The tournament is set to kick off on July 17, aligning with the European calendar, and will run until May 21, 2025. It promises to be a groundbreaking event featuring 14 top clubs from across ASEAN battling it out in 40 matches to become the first ASEAN Club Champion.
Shopee’s Chief Commercial Officer, Zhou Jun Jie, shared the company’s enthusiasm about the partnership, recognizing the power of football to connect with the younger audience across Southeast Asia. The AFF President, Major General Khiev Sameth, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the tournament’s potential to foster talent and fan engagement within ASEAN club football.
SPORTFIVE’s President and Chairman, Seamus O’Brien, highlighted the transformative nature of the Shopee Cup™, linking ASEAN’s economic growth with the region’s passion for football in a digital world. He anticipates a significant impact on the sport and the fans across ASEAN.
The Philippines will be joining other participating countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, with two teams each, along with one from Singapore. National League Champions from Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar will vie for the remaining slots through a qualifying playoff.
Further details on the Philippines’ participating club, the competition schedule, and the format will be announced in the official draw set for the first week of May, as anticipation builds for this pivotal sporting event.
