Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Scheduling debacle is an own goal for unilateral AFF
The Straits Times
|December 08, 2024
Deadly Thai striker Teerasil Dangda will not be adding to his record Asean Championship tally of 25 goals when the tournament kicks off on Dec 8.
He will not feature this time, and neither will teammate and twinkle-toed playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin.
Most of the stars who were part of the Indonesia team who upset Saudi Arabia 2-0 during their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign - goalkeeper Maarten Paes, defenders Sandy Walsh, Rizky Ridho, Jay Idzes, Calvin Verdonk, midfielder Thom Haye, and forward Ragnar Oratmangoen - will also be missing.
Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore will also not be at full strength.
Thai clubs BG Pathum United and Muangthong United will not be releasing their players for the biennial tournament, which rules out Singapore's top attackers Ikhsan and Ilhan Fandi, as well as Filipino defensive duo Scott Woods and John-Patrick Strauss.
The reason behind the absence of stars? The competition, also known as the Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup, is not played during a Fifa international window, and hence clubs are not obliged to release their players for the various national teams.
This could have been avoided if the Asean Football Federation (AFF), which organises the tournament, had listened to its members and planned the dates better.
This story is from the December 08, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Repetitive dullness snuffs out A House Of Dynamite
Despite a star-studded cast, including Rebecca Ferguson and Idris Elba, the political thriller flops as the suspense fizzles out
2 mins
October 30, 2025
The Straits Times
India in 'wait-and-watch' mode on US sanctions against Russian crude
India, one of Moscow’s largest oil purchasers, is starting to suspend some of its oil imports from Russia to mollify US President Donald Trump while it works on renegotiating a trade deal with the US.
4 mins
October 30, 2025
The Straits Times
More support for Al start-ups to scale faster under new partnership
It is part of plan to forge tie-ups that take ideas from S'pore to the world: DPM Gan
4 mins
October 30, 2025
The Straits Times
Cruise centre Higher capacity after facelift
Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore has just undergone a $40 million facelift, boosting the facility’s capacity from 6,800 to 11,700 passengers.
1 min
October 30, 2025
The Straits Times
A fading Europe struggles to be heard in new world order
On matters of economics as well as war and peace, the EU's attributes no longer serve it well in the hardball politics of today.
7 mins
October 30, 2025
The Straits Times
Vietnam steps up reclamation work on Da Nam reef in South China Sea
Beijing's measured response to Hanoi's efforts is strategic, says analyst
5 mins
October 30, 2025
The Straits Times
ALFAISALEYAH SHOULD BE PEAKING THIS TIME AROUND
Speedy five-time winner has twice won over this course and trip, fitter after three starts
3 mins
October 30, 2025
The Straits Times
What needs to be done before Singapore can make a decision on nuclear energy
Closely assessing nuclear technology, developing sound policies and raising the level of public understanding are key things that Singapore has to get right before it can make a decision on going nuclear, said the director of a new nuclear energy office in the Republic on Oct 29.
4 mins
October 30, 2025
The Straits Times
Last-start winner Max The Magician to double up
Oct 30 South Africa (Turffontein) preview
3 mins
October 30, 2025
The Straits Times
More food reaches Gaza, but many cannot afford it
Hundreds of trucks enter the Gaza Strip daily now. Some carry aid from international organisations. Others bring donations from foreign governments.
4 mins
October 30, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size