Qatar to host Asian Cup 2023

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China, which was to host the event, announced its withdrawal last May due to the covid-19 pandemic.

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Qatar, hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup (November 20-December 18), will host the 2023 Asian Cup after the withdrawal of China, announced last May due to the Covid pandemic, said on Monday 17 October the Asian Football Confederation.

“The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee today confirmed the Qatar Football Federation (QFA) as the host association for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup,” the Malaysia-based body said in a statement. Organizer of the next World Cup, whose dates have been postponed to November-December in order to limit the impact of the high summer heat on the organisms, Qatar will therefore host this Asian Cup in eight months, in the heart of the month of June-July.

In June 2019, China won the hosting of the event, but Beijing pulled out in May 2022 as part of its so-called “zero covid” preventative policy, leaving the AFC scrambling to find a new host for its flagship men’s football tournament which brings together 24 teams.

The competition was scheduled to take place in 10 Chinese cities from June 16 to July 16 next year. China is the last major economy still trying to stamp out Covid-19 within its borders, through a series of tough measures including rapid lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions.

The Asian Football Cup takes place every four years. Qatar won the last edition of the tournament in 2019, which was hosted by the United Arab Emirates. South Korea and Indonesia were also in contention to host the continental tournament finals after China withdrew. India and Saudi Arabia have been selected to organize the 2027 edition.


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