Coach Park Hang-seo lifts the AFF Cup as he celebrates the victory with Vietnamese players in Hanoi on December 15, 2018.

(Photo: VnExpress/Minh Kha)

The 13th edition, originally scheduled for November-December this year, has been delayed over concerns of COVID-19.

An AFF statement said the Championship will be in its full format - played on a home and away basis across the qualifying nations in Southeast Asia - provided that the conditions relating to COVID-19 allow it.

Vietnam are the reigning champions after defeating Malaysia with a 3-2 aggregate in 2018.

Before the AFF Cup, Vietnam will play in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers with their next match against Malaysia set for March 2021.