The tournament, which is scheduled to be held in 10 Chinese cities in June and July next year with 24 teams, will not be played in China, which has apologized for “extraordinary events related to Covid-19.” pandemic. ”
At a time when the federation needs to find an alternative, the Gulf states are emerging as the most visible decisions, especially after Australia pointed out a busy schedule in 2023 due to co-host the Women’s World Cup with New Zealand starting in July. 20.
India in turn will host the 2022 AFC Asian Cup and the Secretary General of the Indian Football Association said his country will focus on trying to host the continental championship in 2027 and has no desire to host the 2023 championship.
As for South Korea, which has given up hosting in China, it has not yet commented on the issue, but indicated the possibility of discussions with the government and local authorities.
The Persian Gulf championship again?
Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran have expressed a desire to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, but have not commented on the possibility of holding the next edition after China’s departure.
Qatar, which will host the World Cup later this year, is hosting the Arab Cup by the end of 2021. Despite the readiness of the country’s stadiums and sports and tourist facilities to host Asian Cup, the country may not apply for hosting, although now it is an ideal option.
For Saudi Arabia, it plans to build three new stadiums for the 2027 Asian Cup, as well as refurbish three more stadiums, and may not be able to host the tournament for a year.
The biggest obstacle for the Gulf country hosting the tournament at this time is the high temperature, which has mainly affected the start of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The last edition of the Asian Cup took place in the UAE and Qatar clinched the title.
Source: Al-Akhbar
