The Qatar Football Association (QFA) yesterday submitted the legal requirements file to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for hosting the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Qatar, the reigning champions of the AFC Asian Cup after clinching their maiden crown in the United Arab Emirates in 2019, are aiming to be the first Asian country to stage the Continent’s premier national team competition for the third time having hosted previously in 1988 and 2011.
QFA said in a statement it is committed to fulfilling all hosting requirements in line with its aspirations to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup as per the highest international standards. QFA also said it is determined to provide a football experience that not only meets the ambitions of the Asian audience but also fosters social change and rapprochement between societies.
QFA, represented by HE Fahad bin Mohamed Kafood, the ambassador of the State of Qatar to Malaysia, had previously handed over the first part of the file on August 26th earlier this year to AFC in Kuala Lumpur. The submitted file fulfilled the necessities of hosting requirements in addition to highlighting Qatar’s rich history and legacy in organising continental and international tournaments and sporting events.
The dossier presented by Kafood also included the QFA’s vision for the country’s sports facilities and associated infrastructure that will be ready to host events of any scale such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, the first mega-sporting event of its kind in the Middle East.
Qatar’s bid to host the 2027 edition of the Asian Cup comes as the natural progression of the country’s sports ambitions, following its success in hosting international and continental sports tournaments.
Four other AFC Member Associations have also indicated their intentions to host Asia’s crown jewel including the All India Football Federation, Football Federation of Iran, Saudi Arabian Football Federation and Uzbekistan Football Association – all of whom submitted their expressions of interest by the June 30, 2020 deadline.
The AFC Executive Committee had earlier agreed to provide future hosts for the AFC Asian Cup, beginning with the 2027 edition, with more preparation time ahead of the event as part of the AFC’s continued commitment towards strengthening its competitions.
The host nation for the 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup will be announced in 2021.
..
