AFF president Major General Khiev Sameth said the decision was made after the AFF Cup Task Force Committee held extensive discussions via virtual session with its affiliates today.

He said the regional football governing body had taken into account several factors, including the safety and health of all parties — players, coaches, partners, fans and the public — before reaching the decision.

“With the risk of the spread of Covid-19 remaining high, the AFF finds itself in a situation where we cannot proceed safely with the 2020 AFF Cup,” Sameth said, adding that the dates and other details for the 2021 edition of the AFF Cup would be announced later.

The 2020 AFF Cup was initially scheduled to be held from Nov 23 to Dec 31 based on the home-and-away format, which was introduced in 2018.

Thailand is the most decorated team in the tournament, having won it five times in 1996, 2000, 2002, 2014 and 2016.

Malaysia emerged as champion in 2010 under the guidance of the then head coach K Rajagobal.