The 5th Executive Committee meeting of the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) was held today, 3 June, in Tokyo. The points of discussion are summarized below.

All member associations participating in today's meeting reconfirmed the importance of holding the Final Competition of the first East Asian Football Championship, and it was unanimously decided to establish a Project Team comprised of representatives from the four finalist associations - China PR, Hong Kong-China, Japan, Korea Rep.

Following this decision, the four Project Team member associations held a discussion immediately after the Executive Committee meeting and agreed to have its first Project Team meeting during the period of 13-18 July in Kuala Lumpur where various AFC committee meetings are scheduled. The Project Team will commence studies and discussions on coordination of the dates for the rescheduling of the competition.

The EAFF Executive Committee also received a report of the positive results that came out of the1st East Asian Football Championship Preliminary Competition, held in Hong Kong-China this past February and March. The FIFA ranking of many of the associations that participated in the preliminary round, including the winner and finalist Hong Kong-China, have risen and the competition had a definite mark in the level of football in the region. There was a considerable increase in the level of interest towards football especially in Hong Kong-China, where the Preliminary Competition was held, and it was reported that Hong Kong-China not only gained valuable experience in tournament operation but also gained success in promoting football.