DOHA: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation, affirmed today his confidence in the Local Organizing Committee for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 to deliver a true celebration of Asian football that leaves a lasting impression. On the continent’s players, teams and passionate fans.
His Highness Sheikh Salman bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Asian Football Confederation for the period 2023-2027 in Doha, Qatar, praised the relentless efforts of the local organizing committee, ahead of the final draw for the 2023 Asian Cup, which will be held at the Katara Opera House tomorrow. He thanked the Local Organizing Committee, the Qatar Football Association and the Qatari authorities for their impeccable hosting abilities.
Executive Committee members were briefed on the highlights of the tournament, which include the eight confirmed world-class venues and competition dates as well as many other key operational aspects. The AFC said on its website that the updates were also provided to the Asian Cup Organizing Committee at its first meeting, chaired by Acting President Kozo Tashima, earlier in the day.
The AFC President said: “As we all witnessed less than six months ago at the FIFA World Cup, Qatar is among the top sporting destinations, not only in Asia, but across the world, and we are confident we will witness an unforgettable experience. A scene befitting the growing prestige of the Asian Cup.
“For the first time in history, the jewel in the Asian crown will be played in the stadiums of the FIFA World Cup, and we know that our teams and players are keen to showcase their talents in some of the best sporting arenas in the world.
“The AFC has reiterated our ambitions to organize world-class competitions for our teams, players and match officials, and we must express our sincere gratitude to the Local Organizing Committee, the Qatar Football Association and the Qatari government for sharing our vision and mission for Asian football.”
With anticipation mounting for the final draw for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 on Thursday, the AFC President took the opportunity to wish the 24 nations of Asia the best of luck.
Sheikh Salman added, “Our 24 teams deserve our praise for reaching this stage of the tournament under exceptional circumstances, and we wish them all the best before tomorrow’s final draw. I know that our players, teams, and passionate fans are eagerly awaiting this historic event, and the AFC and the Local Organizing Committee are ready to host it.” The best Asian Cup finals in history.
The AFC Executive Committee also approved the proposal to hold the 2023 AFC Extraordinary Conference, which will be held virtually on October 18.
The AFC Executive Committee has also approved the list of persons who will propose to be elected to the AFC Judicial Bodies for the period from 2023 to 2027. The body will be elected at the next Extraordinary AFC Congress 2023.
Meanwhile, the annual AFC Awards will return on October 31 in Doha, Qatar, later this year. The AFC Executive Committee agreed that the hosting rights would remain with the Qatar Football Association, which was originally scheduled to stage the prestigious event in 2020 before it was canceled due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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