33rd SEA Games: Not different from Cambodia, Thailand will not allow players over 22 in men’s football

Only players under 22 (U22) will be allowed to participate in the men’s football team at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 2025. Like Cambodia, the host country Thailand has decided to do so in order to give more opportunities for talented young players to gain experience and development, and to provide fairness for all participating teams.

In the recent meeting between the Football Federation of Thailand (FAT) and the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) approved a number of rules. Through the request of the 33rd SEA Games Organizing Committee in Thailand, on the men’s football team will not be allowed to use three additional players over the age of 22.

The organizing committee of competition said that, the decision was made to ensure the sustainable development, to provide more opportunities for young players to gain experience and development, and provide fairness for all teams on the field.

The 33rd SEA Games, which will be held in Bangkok, Chhunburi and Songkhla, is scheduled to be held from 9 to 20 December 2025. Host Thailand sets out four football events, including, men's football, women's football, men's futsal and women's futsal.

Last the 32nd SEA Games in 2023, host Cambodia implemented a rule that did not allow three players over the age of U22 to participate in the men's football competition. By not using three players over the age, Indonesia won the gold medal, Thailand won the silver medal and Vietnam won the bronze medal.

The event of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, host Thailand has sets 50 sports, on 585 events for medal competition.