TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Chinese Taipei Football Association (CTFA, 中華台北足球協會) unveiled plans on Monday (March 3) to launch the 2025 Taiwan President FA Cup (2025全國總統盃足球錦標賽) on April 12. The inaugural tournament, with a total prize pool of NT$4.7 million, aims to reignite national interest in soccer after a 20-year hiatus in social team competitions.
Speaking to the media, CTFA Chairman Wang Lin-hsiang (王麟祥) emphasized the tournament's role in nurturing talent across all levels, from youth to adult players. The tournament will feature 32 men's and 32 women's teams, providing an alternative stage for Taiwan's soccer talent beyond corporate leagues.
Registration for the tournament opened immediately and closed on March 28. Each team can register up to 28 players, including five potential rising stars, and will compete in a round-robin format. The group stage will follow a home-and-away system, while knockout matches will take place in national stadiums, broadcasted with international standards to enhance organizational and marketing value.
Prominent sponsors and sports figures attended the press conference, including Yeh Cheng-yen (葉政彥), head of the Republic of China Sports Federation (中華體總會), and Lin Hong-dow (林鴻道), chairman of the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee (中華奧會). Yeh shared his connection to soccer, revealing that he once played the sport.