KUALA LUMPUR (31 July 2011) – The Asean Football Federation (AFF) today warmly welcomed the return of Brunei to their fold after a two-year absence.
The new-look National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) attended their first AFF Council meeting here today since they were suspended by FIFA.
“We welcome back the Brunei Football Association to the AFF after two years,” said AFF President Sultan Ahmad Shah in his opening address at today’s AFF Council meeting this morning.
Brunei was suspended by FIFA in September 2009 for government interference. The ban was lifted by the world’s governing body on May 30 this year.
Following the lifting of the suspension, Brunei held their Congress on 6 June 2011 and elected their new office bearers.
“It has been a long journey to get back in. It is thanks to the efforts of our Prince Sufri Bolkiah and the support of the AFF that have seen us be reinstated,” said newly elected NFABD President Dato’ Paduka Hj Abdul Rahman Hj Mohiddin in his inaugural statement to the AFF Council.
And now that they’re back, Brunei today informed the AFF Council of their intentions to participate in all AFF tournaments this year. This includes the AFF Under-19 and AFF Futsal Championships later this year.
Dato’ Paduka Abdul Rahman also revealed that the association will revive the popular Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Under-21 teams in March next year. It was held thrice, in 2002, 2005 and 2007.
AFF President Sultan Ahmad Shah also welcomed the new Indonesia FA President Prof Dr Ir Djohar Arifin Husin to the AFF Council. Dr Ir Djohar was accompanied by Deputy President Farid Rahman and General Secretary Tri Goestoro.
“I would like to thank the AFF for their support. This is a new beginning for us and we intend to bring our football to new heights,” added Djohar.%
