The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) announced on Friday that the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup would be held from April 11 to May 8 next year.

Originally scheduled to take place in November and December this year, the 13th edition of the regional tournament had to been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the AFF, the decision was taken with a firm intention to stage the tournament in its full format – played on a home and away basis across the qualifying nations in Southeast Asia – provided that the conditions relating to Covid-19 allow.

"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.

"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," said AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth.

Vietnam are currently the defending champions after beating Malaysia 3-2 on aggregate in the two-legged final two years ago.