Indonesia signaled the opportunity to leave the Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF) after establishing communication with the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF).

If Indonesia really realizes this intention, then the Garuda Muda Squad must be ready to say goodbye to the AFF Cup, the most prestigious tournament in Southeast Asia. Indonesia is likely to be a contender in another federation tournament in this case EAFF.

The Sub-Confederation Football Federation is the governing body of the football associations of the countries under the continental confederations.

Usually, members of sub-regional confederations are made up of countries that are geographically close to each other. There are at least 13 sub-regional confederations registered by FIFA.

Indonesia is not the only party to do so either. Previously, several countries had decided to move to a sub-regional football confederation.

Here are three countries that have moved sub-regional football confederations:

1. Afghanistan

The Afghan Football Federation (AFF) has been in existence since 1922. However, it only became a member of FIFA in 1948 and joined the AFC in 1954.

Afghanistan was registered as a member of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) in 2005. However, they left because they joined the Central Asian Football Federation (CAFF) in 2015 until now.

The move pits Afghanistan against more competitive teams such as Iran and Uzbekistan, which are in the top 100 of the FIFA rankings. Previously, Afghanistan competed with India and Pakistan.

2.Iran

The Football Federation of Iran (FFIF) was established in 1920. It was registered as part of FIFA in 1948 and joined the AFC in 1954.

Iran along with Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria form the West Asian Football Sub-Confederation (WAFF). However, they left WAFF and joined Central Asian Football Federation (CAFF) in 2015 till now.

Iran’s decision to leave WAFF cannot be separated from political friction with Saudi Arabia. This prompted Iran to choose to form a new stronghold in the CAFF.

3. Mauritania

The Mauritanian Football Federation (FFRIM) was established in 1961. It joined FIFA nine years later in 1970.

The FFRIM joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 1974 and became a member of the West African Sub-Confederation (WAFF) in 1975.

Although their country is located in West Africa, Mauritania joined the United Arab Football Association (UAFA) in 1989 which is dominated by Asian countries. Even so, Mauritania has not renounced its WAFF membership to date.

(jail)