[2] The highly popular annual competition became the main avenue for attracting talented players from around the country.

(Aside from a few regional tournament wins, the Burmese men's national team has not won any major football competition since 1973.)

Until 1996, the country's main football league consisted of Yangon-based clubs run by government ministries and known for corruption.

In accordance with FIFA regulations, the MFF reportedly became an independent organization, free of government control, in March 2009.

The event, hosted by MFF President Zaw Zaw, was attended by the State Counsellor H. E. Aung San Suu Kyi, Union Minister for the Health and Sports Dr. Myint Htwe, Union Minister for Education Dr. Myo Thein Gyi, FIFA Foundation CEO Youri Djorkaeff, together with guests, presidents and secretaries from local township football associations.