Viettel - the reigning V.League champion is in Group F with Pathum United (Thailand), Ulsan Hyundai (Korea) and another team from the play-off round. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian Football Confederation decided that each group will take place at a location, hosted by a team in the group.
AFC has until February 15 for teams to bid to win the championship. At this time, Viettel has not made any move to bring the matches to Vietnam, and defending champion Ulsan Hyundai has not yet decided on the bidding. Only Pathum United is determined to organize matches at home in Thailand.
Recently, Pathum United held a meeting with the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), Thai Premier League Company Limited - the organizer of professional tournaments in Thailand on the plan to host matches in Group F. The reason reason reason FAT "lighted up" for Pathum United is because the AFC has previously emphasized that the country that organizes the AFC Champions League group stage will be given priority to organize the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, in case of a move from March to June.
In return, AFC has set a very high standard for the clubs and countries that host the AFC Champions League group stage. Accordingly, Pathum United and Thailand must have qualified physical facilities, no restrictions or few restrictions on travel, at least 2 matches for 1 club participating in the competition, and be able to coordinate with the AFC medical department in case of COVID-19 infection...
In addition, Viettel's opponents as well as Thailand must bear all costs related to the operation of the stadium and training ground; travel costs in Thailand for football teams and AFC officials; be responsible for medical costs; be responsible for food and accommodation costs for AFC representatives including meeting rooms, offices and phone SIMs... In return, AFC will support part of the funding for the host country as well as the participating teams...
Pathum United is being led by Dusit - former coach of Hoang Anh Gia Lai. After 17 matches in the Thai League, they are leading the group with 47 points, 7 points more than the second-placed team. The team has just strengthened the striker duo Teerasil Dangda and Diogo with the goal of going deep in the AFC Champions League 2021.
