The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee has today confirmed Qatar as the host association for the AFC Asian Cup 2023. from the 11th AFC Executive Committee meeting.
AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa congratulated the QFA on their successful bid and also conveyed the appreciation of the Asian football family to the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and the Korea Football Association (KFA) for their commendable proposals.
“On behalf of the AFC and the Asian football family, I want to congratulate the Qatar Football Association on being awarded the hosting rights of the upcoming edition of the AFC Asian Cup™.” AFC President said.
“We must also thank the Football Association of Indonesia and the Korea Football Association for outlining their intentions to stage the tournament.”
“Qatar’s capabilities and track record in hosting major international sporting events and their meticulous attention to detail are well admired throughout the globe.”
“I must also commend the AFC for showcasing utmost professionalism in conducting a fair and transparent expedited bidding process and I thank all our commercial partners and sponsors for their patience during these unprecedented times.”
“Given the short lead time in preparation, we know that the hard work begins immediately but with their existing world-class infrastructure and unrivalled hosting capabilities, we are confident that Qatar will stage a worthy spectacle befitting the prestige and stature of Asia’s crown jewel.”
Qatar are the reigning AFC Asian Cup™ champions and will be hosting the Continent’s most prestigious men’s tournament for the third time after staging the 1988 and 2011 editions.
The AFC Executive Committee also deliberated upon the bidding proposals for the AFC Asian Cup 2027™ and shortlisted the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) as the final two bidders with the hosting decision to be taken by the AFC Congress at its next meeting in February 2023.
However, the AFC Asian Cup 2023 final is expected to change the schedule. Originally from June 2023 to early 2024 due to weather in Qatar in the middle of the year. which has to wait for the resolution of the AFC meeting again.
It will also be the third international football tournament hosted by Qatar. Following the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024.
also highlighted and welcomed by the Executive Committee.
Credit Photo : AFC
