After surrendering their bid within the wake of curiosity from Saudi Arabia, the All India Soccer Federation (AIFF) has thrown its hat within the ring to host the 2031 Asian Cup, the continental physique introduced on Friday.
The Asian Soccer Confederation (AFC) acquired a file seven Expressions of Curiosity to host the 2031 Asian Cup. Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and a joint bid from Kyrgyz, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are the others who’ve proven curiosity to host the championship.
The bids for the 2031 version have been opened on November 27, 2024, and the deadline to submit expression of curiosity was March 31, 2025.
India had earlier bid for the 2027 version and was concerned in a two-horse race with Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, the AIFF withdrew its bid with out a lot clarification handy over the internet hosting rights to the Gulf nation, which may even host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The AFC stated the seven bids they acquired have been the best in ‘fashionable historical past’.
The AFC President stated: “The AFC Asian Cup is undoubtedly one of many biggest success tales and the final version in Qatar firmly cemented Asia’s flagship as the most effective soccer competitions on the planet.
“The file variety of bids that we’ve acquired is additional testomony to the stature and enchantment of the AFC Asian Cup™ and on behalf of the AFC Govt Committee, I want to placed on file our honest appreciation to all our MAs for outlining their ambition to increase and broaden on our proud legacy,” AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa stated in a media launch.
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The AFC added that shifting ahead, they ‘will now work with the Bidding MAs (Member Associations) on the supply of the mandatory bidding documentation in accordance with the established timelines and processes, with a Bidding Workshop for the AFC Asian Cup 2031 scheduled to be held later this month.’