Initially, Indonesia was allocated two group-stage slots, which were awarded to Persib Bandung and Dewa United, top finishers in the Indonesian domestic league. However, both clubs later requested to pull out in order to focus on next season’s AFC competitions.

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) proposed replacing them with Malut United and Persebaya, the third- and fourth-placed teams, but the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) rejected the request. As a result, Indonesia will not have any representatives in this year’s tournament.

With only 12 clubs now competing in the group stage, similar to the previous edition, each team will play five matches instead of six. This reduction is good news for Vietnam’s representatives, Cong An Ha Noi (CAHN) and Nam Dinh, as both clubs will compete across four to five different competitions next season. Fewer matches help ease the overall schedule and allow better squad rotation.

In addition, avoiding long-haul away trips to Indonesia will save travel time and reduce fatigue. For example, had Malut United been approved, a Vietnamese team would have needed up to two days of travel just to reach the venue.

CAHN and Nam Dinh are scheduled to begin their ASEAN Club Championship campaign at the end of August.

Nam Dinh FC placed in ‘Group of Death’ at ASEAN Club Championship

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Four local players named in ASEAN Club Championship Team of Tournament

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