Suzuki Motor Corporation will back this year’s ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship for the fifth time in a row, a title sponsorship that has helped the AFF Suzuki Cup grow into the most important and most-watched football tournament in the region.

The biennial AFF Suzuki Cup 2016 is being co-hosted by Myanmar and the Philippines, with the tournament kicking off on November 19, 2016. The two countries will be hosting the group stages of the tournament for the first time since its inception in 1996.

“The AFF Suzuki Cup has flourished since we took over as title sponsor in 2008 and we are pleased to renew our association with such a wonderful tournament that captivates millions of football fans throughout the ASEAN region,” said Kinji Saito, Managing Officer, Suzuki Motor Corporation. “We aim to offer Excitement to customers, which is the core value of our global brand slogan ‘Way of Life’. We believe football provides people with enthusiasm and fervor, which are the components of ‘Excitement’. We hope that we could share our brand value with as many people as possible by sponsoring this exciting tournament.”

Defending champion Thailand which was crowned king of ASEAN football for the fourth time in 2014, Singapore which is also a four-time winner, co-hosts Myanmar and the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam will compete in the tournament proper.

They will be joined by one team from the Qualification Round competition to be played in Cambodia from October 15-21. Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, Laos and Timor-Leste will fight it out for the one spot at Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium.

“It is extremely good news that Suzuki Motor Corporation will be returning as title sponsor of the AFF Suzuki Cup later this year. The tournament has grown in stature and reputation since 2008 when Suzuki came on board for the first time,” said HRH Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, President, ASEAN Football Federation. “Both Myanmar and the Philippines will be debuting as Group Stage tournament hosts and, once again, I am sure we will witness a top class event played out in front of big crowds,” he added.

The AFF Suzuki Cup group stages will be played from November 19 to 26 in Myanmar and the Philippines, followed by the semi-final and the final rounds from December 3 to 17 which will be contested on a home and away basis.

Suzuki Philippines, Inc. General Manager for Automobile Shuzo Hoshikura shared, “We feel especially honored and pleased to be part of the AFF Suzuki Cup because we’ve always believed that it is a vital activity where we are able to reflect the Suzuki Way of Life. And with the Philippines co-hosting it for the very first time, we welcome this opportunity with open arms and much pride.”

“Suzuki Motor Corporation has played a crucial role in the success of the ASEAN Football Championship and we are delighted that they are continuing their long association with the tournament,” said Tom Smith, President, Football – Asia, Lagardère Sports.

The event promoter, Lagardère Sports, is a global sports marketing, media and event management company, and has been involved with the tournament from its inauguration in 1996.