Football Leaders Pause Asian Cup Plans Amid FIFA Directive

Asian football officials announced on Friday that they have decided to suspend the bidding process for hosting the 2031 and 2035 Asian Cups. This decision came in response to a request from FIFA to move the continental tournament to even-numbered years.

Several nations, including Australia, Japan, and South Korea, had previously expressed interest in hosting the 2031 and 2035 editions of the competition. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) made this announcement following a recent meeting with FIFA about potential changes to the international match calendar.

“As part of this process, it has been deemed appropriate to halt the current bidding cycles to provide greater clarity and ensure a more structured approach to future host selections,” the AFC stated in a release. The organization is based in Kuala Lumpur.

Six bids were submitted for the 2031 event. These included proposals from Australia, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, and a joint bid from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In addition, Australia, Kuwait, Japan, and South Korea had also shown interest in or were preparing to bid for the 2035 edition.

The AFC emphasized that the proposed change would have significant implications for the scheduling and strategic planning of its premier national team competition. As a result, the organization has initiated a broader review of its competitions calendar.

South Korea’s Football Association received a letter from the AFC on Thursday confirming the suspension of the bidding process. Despite the unexpected development, the Korean Football Association (KFA) reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the Asian Cup.

“Although unexpected variables have occurred, the association’s will to host the Asian Cup remains unchanged,” the KFA said in a statement on Friday.

The next Asian Cup is scheduled to take place in 2027 in Saudi Arabia.

Qatar lifted the 2023 Asian Cup title at home. Photo by AP

Key Points About the Asian Cup Bidding Suspension

• The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has halted the bidding process for the 2031 and 2035 Asian Cups.
• This decision was made in response to a FIFA request to shift the tournament to even-numbered years.
• Several countries, including Australia, Japan, and South Korea, had initially expressed interest in hosting these events.
• The AFC cited the need for greater clarity and a more structured approach to future host selections as reasons for the suspension.
• Six bids were submitted for the 2031 Asian Cup, including a joint bid from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Australia, Kuwait, Japan, and South Korea had also shown interest in hosting the 2035 event.
• The AFC is conducting a broader review of its competitions calendar due to the potential impact of the proposed schedule change.
• South Korea’s Football Association confirmed it received a letter from the AFC about the suspension but reiterated its desire to host the Asian Cup.
• The next Asian Cup will be held in 2027 in Saudi Arabia.