Initially, the 13th edition of the tournament was staged on November 23 to December 31.

Instead of pushing through the tournament in a bubble setting, AFF wanted to opt for a home and away format thus, moving the schedule to a later date.

“This latest decision has been taken with a firm intention to stage the Championship in its full format – played on a home and away basis across the qualifying nations in South East Asia – provided that the conditions relating to COVID-19 allow,” AFF said in a statement.

However, the decision will depend on the improvement of the situation surrounding Covid-19.

“We are delighted with the positive support that we have had from our Member Associations and that we have been able to find a suitable window next year to hold our most highly anticipated tournament,” AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth said.

“While we are well aware that the fight against the global pandemic is not over, we are cautiously optimistic for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 to take place in its full format as we hope to deliver the best of ASEAN in the tournament next year,” he added.

Men’s National Football Team, Philippine Azkals, made a semifinals appearance during the Suzuki Cup 2018. It was their fourth semis finish in the last five editions of the tournament.