Lao League called off due to SEA Games preparations

Top football players, not only national team representatives, will miss Lao League matches this season following a decision by the country's top football body to abandon the entire league fixture.

According to the Lao Football Federation (LFF), the Lao League season 2008-2009 has been called off because players from each club have been selected for the U-23 national team.

LFF Secretary General Soulivanh Seunvilay said “The Lao League was called off, not only because several players had a heavy schedule of ongoing preparations for the SEA Games, but also because many clubs' pitches are being re-developed or renovated for the SEA Games.”

“Despite having called off the season, we are planning to organise at least three tournaments for Lao League teams, but the dates of these have yet to be decided. The second division or Lao League Two will begin their season this month.”

The federation also reported preparations continue for the inaugural Futsal Cup for secondary school students.

The tournament will run from March 8-28 at the Futsal Indoor Stadium of the National Football Training Centre in Huayhong village, Chanthabouly district, Vientiane , supported by the Lao Telecom Company.

The organising committee for the Futsal Cup invites teams from around the country to attend the event.

All teams are encouraged to participate, but must register 15 days before the tournament kicks off. For more information, contact the Lao Football Federation on 562620 or 560821.

The main aim of the tournament is to develop futsal skills among young people in the hope high-class players will emerge and push for a place in the Lao national squad. This will greatly benefit Lao football in the long term.

The LFF will also use this tournament to select under-16 players to join an all-star team to compete at the Mekong Games. The games will be hosted by Thailand this year, from May 30 to June 9.

By Sisay Vilaysack
February 11, 2009