Vietnam’s ASEAN Cup Hopes Derailed as Schedule Shift Cancels International Friendlies

Vietnam’s preparations for the 2024 ASEAN Cup have been disrupted after the Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF) shifted the tournament’s schedule, resulting in the cancellation of crucial international friendlies for the Vietnamese national team. Originally scheduled to begin on November 23rd, the group stage of the 2024 ASEAN Cup will now kick off on December 8th, giving teams more time to prepare. The shift in dates, aimed at minimizing conflicts with club competitions, has forced Vietnam to abandon plans for friendly matches during the FIFA Days in November. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) had planned to utilize this period for crucial international friendlies, as part of their preparation strategy. However, the new tournament schedule clashes with domestic league fixtures, leaving no room for international friendlies. This setback is a significant blow to Vietnam’s preparations, particularly as head coach Kim Sang Sik had hoped to utilize the FIFA Days to fine-tune the team’s tactics and formations.