When did the AFF Cup change its name, and why is it called the ASEAN Cup?

The AFF Cup had been the name tied to the Southeast Asian football championship for almost thirty years. But from 2024 onward, the event is officially called the ASEAN Cup, causing some fans to question whether it is a new tournament. In fact, the alteration is limited to the name and brand approach, with the core of the competition staying the same.

Since when did the AFF Cup change to the ASEAN Cup?

On February 29, 2024, the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) officially unveiled a new brand identity for the Southeast Asian national team championship. Accordingly, the tournament formerly known as the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup was renamed the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024.

This marks the first time since the tournament's inception in 1996 that the term "AFF Cup" has been omitted from the official name. The rebranding is part of AFF's strategy to build a new image, elevating the competition and bringing Southeast Asia's premier football event closer to fans both regionally and globally.

Over nearly 30 years, the Southeast Asian championship has undergone several name changes based on sponsors. Specifically, from 1996 to 2004 it was the Tiger Cup, then the AFF Suzuki Cup (2007–2020), the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup (2022), the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup (2024), and now the ASEAN Hyundai Cup.

Later, when the title sponsor changed, the tournament was again referred to by its new commercial name. However, the core names ASEAN Championship or ASEAN Cup have been retained.

Why was the AFF Cup renamed the ASEAN Cup?

According to AFF, using the name ASEAN Cup better reflects the spirit of unity in Southeast Asia. Internationally, the term ASEAN is more familiar and recognizable than the abbreviation AFF, which is mainly known within football circles. Incorporating the ASEAN brand into the tournament name also helps promote the image of the Southeast Asian community through the region's biggest football event.

Along with the tournament rename, AFF introduced a new brand identity system for all competitions under its management. The goal is to build a unified brand ecosystem, with the ASEAN Cup serving as the most prestigious national team tournament. Notably, the organizing body remains unchanged. The tournament is still run by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF). The abbreviation AFF still stands for the federation, only the commercial name of the tournament has been adjusted.

This brand repositioning also makes it easier to attract international partners and sponsors. Instead of being closely tied to the federation's name, using the ASEAN brand gives the tournament broader appeal, while aligning with the future development direction of Southeast Asian football.

The change from AFF Cup to ASEAN Cup does not alter the nature of the tournament. It remains the Southeast Asian national team football championship, organized by AFF and held every two years. The competition format, group stage system, and knockout rounds also remain unchanged despite the name change.

The main changes include: the official tournament name, the logo and brand identity, and the title sponsor name over different periods. In other words, the ASEAN Cup is a continuation of the AFF Cup's history, not a completely new competition.