The annual Binh Duong Television International Football Cup (BTV Cup) will be organised in late January instead of the customary December.

BTV Cup will see five participants competing in January.

Five teams are participating, three less than the previous edition.

Organisers explained that the change was made due to the busy schedule at the end of the year as many tournaments were delayed to December. Teams were exhausted after competing in these events and found it difficult to participate in the tournament.

Further, the organisers invited only four teams to participate along with hosts Becamex Binh Duong for the January 25-February 4 tournament.

Two local teams are V.League champions Quang Nam and former winner Hoang Anh Gia Lai, while the two foreign teams are Vasco de Gama FC from Brazil and South Korean Students.

Reigning champion Shonan Bellmare of Japan will not be participating to defend their title.

Teams will play in a round robin format with the top two qualifying for the final. — VNS