January 10 – With the Asian Cup Qatar 2023 just two days away from kick off, AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has expressed confidence that the event is ready to go off without a hitch, despite the short time span left to organise the AFC’s blue riband event after China pulled out from hosting.
Salman (picture left) also drew attention to a number of firsts for the tournament that he said will be the “grandest ever AFC Asian Cup to date.”
“We are all aware that this is the shortest ever runway that we have had to organise the pinnacle stage of Asian men’s football. But in another remarkable display of Asian football unity, we have shown the world that we are ready to stage an exceptional tournament,” said Salman.
In 2019 the UAE hosted the first 24-team expanded Asian Cup, an event that marked a step change in the AFC’s big event organisation.
“We are now in touching distance of hosting our best-ever men’s showpiece in Asian football history,” said Salman.
“I am confident that we will witness inspiring performances that will showcase the immeasurable progress of Asian football.”
The Asian Cup kicks off Friday at the Lusail Stadium, where Argentina were crowned World Champions just over a year ago. Hosts Qatar will open the tournament against Lebanon as they begin their defence of the Asian Cup title they won in the UAE.
The tournament completes February 10 at the Lusail Stadium. The 51 games will be played across nine stadia, seven of them used for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
For the first time the AFC will use Semi-automated Offisde Technology (SAOT) and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems across all matches. The AFC has also appointed women’s match officials to the tournament for the first time.
From February 1-5 the AFC will run the AFC eAsian Cup between the end of the last 16 knockout round and through the quarter finals.
“I am delighted to declare that the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ will truly be a tournament of ‘firsts’,” said Salman.
“These enhancements further underline the AFC’s desire to enhance our flagship competitions with each passing edition and bring to life our Vision of providing a world-class stage for our players, teams and officials.”
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