KUALA LUMPUR: The announcement by FIFA regarding the inaugural Asean Cup has been described as a historic step in the development of football in the region.

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) acting president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said the announcement is highly significant not only for football in Asean but also for Malaysia, as it was made in conjunction with the regional summit held in Kuala Lumpur and chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.