The ASEAN Championship, officially known as the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, is the premier football tournament organized by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) for national teams in Southeast Asia. Established in 1996, the tournament is held biennially, typically in even-numbered years, with exceptions in 2007 and 2020. The championship has been a key event in the regional football calendar, and is one of the most-watched football competitions in Southeast Asia.
Historical Context
The inaugural ASEAN Championship took place in 1996, featuring six founding ASEAN members and four invited teams. Thailand emerged as the first champions by defeating Malaysia 1-0 in the final held in Singapore. Over the years, the competition has seen various teams excel, with Thailand leading the pack with seven titles. Singapore follows with four, while Vietnam has won twice and Malaysia once.
The format has evolved over the years. Initially, the tournament had a different structure, but starting in 2004, the knockout stages were played over two legs in a home-and-away format. The 2007 edition marked a change with no third-place match, and the away goals rule was introduced in 2010. Since 2018, the tournament has used a new format where the top nine teams automatically qualify, while the 10th and 11th-ranked teams compete in a two-legged qualifier. Teams are divided into two groups of five, with the top teams advancing to the knockout stages.
Sponsorship and Rebranding
The championship has undergone several rebranding phases. Initially sponsored by Tiger Beer from 1996 to 2004, it was then known as the AFF Championship when sponsorship ended. In 2008, Suzuki became the title sponsor, leading to the tournament being called the AFF Suzuki Cup until 2020. In 2022, Mitsubishi Electric took over as the sponsor, rebranding it as the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup. In 2024, the event was renamed the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, accompanied by a new logo and brand identity.
Notable Achievements
- Most Titles: Thailand with seven championships (1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022).
- Consecutive Wins: Thailand achieved this feat three times (2000 and 2002, 2014 and 2016, 2020 and 2022), while Singapore did so once (2004 and 2007).
- Biggest Win: Indonesia’s 13-1 victory over the Philippines in 2002.
- Top Scorer: Noh Alam Shah from Singapore with 10 goals in 2007.
Key Records
- Most Goals in a Tournament: Noh Alam Shah with 10 goals (2007).
- Most Goals Scored in a Match: Noh Alam Shah with 7 goals (2007).
- Most Successful Coach: Radojko Avramović with three titles (Singapore 2004, 2007; Singapore 2012).
The ASEAN Championship continues to be a significant event in Southeast Asian football, showcasing regional talent and fostering competitive spirit among participating nations.
