China Decides To Withdraw From Hosting AFC Asian Cup 2023

Twitter @afcasiancup

JAKARTA - The AFC Asian Cup 2023 was originally scheduled to be held in June next year with China as the host. However, recently the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reported that the Ginseng Country had resigned from its status.

In an official statement Saturday, May 14, the AFC said it had been in discussions with the Chinese Football Association (CFA). It is known that the increasing spread of COVID-19 in the country made organizers not want to take risks in holding a football party between Asian countries.

"After extensive discussions with the Chinese Football Association (CFA), the AFC has been officially informed by the CFA that they cannot host the 2023 AFC Asian Cup."

"The AFC is considering the circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic which nullifies the hosting rights of the People's Republic of China," reads an AFC statement.

Although China has declared its withdrawal, the AFC has not released a replacement country that will host. The AFC said it would carry out further considerations to determine the new location amidst the increasingly narrow preparation time.

So far. The AFC also continues to coordinate with the CFC and appreciates their quick steps to reduce the risk even though this is a difficult decision.

"The AFC was in close contact with the CFA and LOC AFC Asian Cup China 2023 during preparations, including the unveiling of the tournament logo and the inauguration of the Shanghai Pudong Stadium last year."

"The AFC appreciates China, the CFA and the LOC AFC Asian Cup even though this is a difficult decision in the midst of all the achievements," continued the AFC.

After this, the AFC will continue to work with third parties on commercial cooperation and related parties to keep the tournament going.

"Further information on the next steps related to the hosting of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 will be announced soon," the AFC concluded.