|The ASEAN CUP, which is FIFA’s friendly tournament has turned out to be a miserable failure. Despite the name ASEAN, and AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) actually running a tournament with a similar name for years, FIFA’s cash grab featured teams like Hong Kong, China and India which are not even situated geography wise in ASEAN region. The objective behind bringing the latter two teams was simple – to bring the fans from the two biggest countries to view the competition. The teams in the tournament were divided into two groups depending on their rankings. FIFA offered a good prize money and played these matches during regular breaks, hoping to attract wide attention from fans and experts alike. Unfortunately, the whole tournament has turned into a nightmare for FIFA.

1. China gave FIFA the boot by choosing to friendlies to prepare for ASIAN cup.
2. FIFA replaced China with Pakistan, hoping to draw some juice out of India-Pakistan rivalry in other sports. Pakistan was placed in division 1, despite being ranked 195+.
3. India upset FIFA’s plans by withdrawing from the tournament, opting to play friendlies against the likes of Brazil and Uruguay. FIFA replaced them with Bangladesh. Bangladesh have been eliminated already with two matches to spare.
4. Only broadcasters from two countries from ASEAN region, including co-hosts Indonesia bothered to buy rights for the tournament. Only broadcasters two countries from outside of ASEAN including co-hosts Hong Kong did the same.
5. Some teams in division 1 fielded B sides.
6. Most games were played in empty stadiums. Only matches involving the hosts could draw large audiences.
7. The quality of broadcasting has been heavily criticized.
8. Owing to lack of revenue, FIFA cut the prize money by 35% even before the start of the tournament.

ASEAN cup is another of FIFA and Infantino’s failed projects after the FIFA Confederations cup, club world cup, FIFA Intercontinental cup, FIFA Arab cup and FIFA series. The only thing that sells for them is the world cup. They should stick to it.