BANDUNG –  Malaysia and Indonesia hope to set up a league among Asean countries, called Asean Football League, said Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

Ahmad Shabery said it was part of efforts by Malaysia and Indonesia to promote and raise the standard of football in the region.

He said in the past Asean countries competed against each other in the Tiger Cup or Merdeka Tournament, but now Asean countries only compete in the SEA Games held every two years.

"I believe a league among Asean countries will help raise the standard of football in the region," he told reporters after meeting Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Andi A Malarangeng in Kerawang, Jawa Barat, about 270km from Bandung.

Ahmad Shabery arrived in Bandung to participate in a charity golf tournament between the Youth and Sports Ministry of Malaysia and the Bandung Games that would be held on Sunday.

The Bandung Games, to be held from Oct 8-10, would feature about 6,000 Malaysian students who are pursuing their studies in 17 Indonesian provinces.

Ahmad Shabery said Indonesia had agreed to the proposal of organizing an Asean League. — Bernama