Photo: Thai U-23 team
Vietnam and Thailand have confirmed they will not send their national men's under-23 football teams to participate in the pre-SEA Games tournament here next month.
However, both nations will send their national U-19 squads to take part in the event.
The Football Association of Thailand confirmed that their under-23 team cannot participate in the pre-SEA Games event because many players are committed to playing in the ongoing Thai Premier League.
The Vietnam under-23 team is busy training for the SEA Games in December and does not want to disrupt its preparations.
General Secretary of the Lao Football Federation, Mr Soulivanh Xeunvilay, said yesterday “Despite Vietnam and Thailand confirming their intention to send their U-19 squads instead of their U-23 teams, the date and schedule of the pre-SEA Games tournament will not change.”
“ Malaysia has confirmed they will send their U-23 squad to compete in the event,” he said.
Earlier this month, the Malaysian national under-23 side completed a tour of the Middle East with a scoreless draw against Jordan , a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia and a 1-0 defeat to a Saudi club side, according to the Asean Football Federation
The changes will see under-23 teams from Laos and Malaysia compete against under-19 squads from Vietnam and Thailand at the pre-SEA Games tournament next month.
The tournament is scheduled for October 2-6 with the aim of testing television broadcasting systems and facilities at the new national stadium, which has a 20,000 seat capacity and will also host the opening and closing ceremonies of the games in December.
On October 2, Laos will take on Thailand , and Vietnam will play Malaysia . October 4 will see Malaysia up against Thailand and Laos facing Vietnam , while the last day of the tournament will pit Laos against Malaysia and Vietnam with Thailand .
Games will kick off at 4:30pm and 7pm. All matches will be broadcast live on Lao National Television.
Tickets for the tournament will be sold for 40,000 kip for general admission and 80,000 kip for VIP seating.
The event presents a good opportunity for teams to catch a glimpse of the form of their opponents before the big event in December.
SEA Games rules mean players in the men's football event must be 23 years old or younger. The women's football event does not have an age limit for players.
By Sisay Vilaysack
Vientianetimes
i'm sure msia is not sending thir u23 bcoz these reasons
1. the team that went to middle east is not the same which play in laos 4 nation
2. u23 coach is Mr k rajagopal not mr ong kimswee.
3. most u 23 players are playing for state team in m'sia cup now.
4. this team in laos 4 naton comprises players from harimau muda mostly 19 years old which emerge as champion in recent m'sia Liga perdana ( 2nd division)
so ... do not think that msia is showing their best players
Posted on October 6, 2009 at 4:44 AM