THE men’s football tournament of the XXXIII SEA Games to be hosted by Thailand will be transformed into the U22 football tournament, with overage players not allowed.
Although the men’s football event of the SEA Games was held with national football teams in the past, it was transformed into age-wise football tournaments starting in 2001. During the period from 2001 to 2015, the men’s football event was held with under-23 players, but the event allowed participation of under-22 players only from 2017 to date. However, the tournaments held three times from 2019 to 2023 allowed the use of two overage footballers for all contending teams.
This year, host Thailand will revoke the rule of using overage players and allow the deployment of U22 players for all teams. Moreover, a plan is underway to change the competition trend with three groups instead of two in the past.
Myanmar U22 men’s football team is taking training in order to compete in international tournaments, including the SEA Games. It will play the international tune-up matches. Before the SEA Games, the Myanmar U22 team will take part in the ASEAN U23 football tournament and the U23 qualifiers for the Asian Cup. Currently, the Myanmar U22 team is under the training of Head Coach Kurosaki, a Japanese. — Shine Htet Zaw/TTA
