AFF changes rules, Hanoi FC is allowed to participate in Southeast Asia Cup C1

TPO - The Southeast Asian Cup C1 Organizing Committee has just made an important change, which will greatly affect the participation of teams from next season.

Accordingly, instead of the champions of the National Cups of each country, only the strongest representatives of the national championship will participate in the Southeast Asian Cup C1. That means that SLNA, Binh Duong, CAHN and Viettel (4 teams in the semi-finals), whichever team wins the National Cup this year, will not be allowed to appear in the regional competition next season.

This change brings good news to Hanoi FC because it allows them to compete internationally. In the current campaign, Hanoi FC could not win the LPBank V.League 1 and was eliminated early by Dong Thap in the National Cup. But with the change from AFF, the runner-up team of LPBank V.League 1 will join Nam Dinh to represent Vietnam in the Southeast Asian Cup C1.

The remaining spot will belong to Hanoi Police if they beat Hai Phong in the final match this afternoon. Meanwhile, once Viettel wins and Hanoi Police loses points, the 3rd place will be placed in Viettel's hands, along with a spot in the regional tournament.

If they beat Hai Phong, CAHN will participate in the Southeast Asian Cup 1 next season.

If nothing changes, Nam Dinh, Hanoi and CAHN will represent Vietnam in the Southeast Asian Cup 1. They will increase the championship chances for Vietnamese football. Thailand will contribute 3 representatives including Buriram, Pathum and Bangkok United while Malaysia has Johor DT and Selangor.

“For this event, AFF is pursuing a clear goal. They want the top teams from each country to participate to attract fans,” commented Mainstaind newspaper on this change.

The AFF announced that the 2025/26 season will be “heated up” with the draw ceremony taking place on July 4 in Bangkok. The new season will take place from August 2025 to May 2026, with 16 participating teams.

Dang Lai

Source: https://tienphong.vn/aff-doi-luat-ha-noi-fc-duoc-du-cup-c1-dong-nam-a-post1753425.tpo