Qatar to host 2023 Asian Cup

Qatar will stage the 2023 Asian Cup, the Asian Football Confederation said on Monday, after China withdrew earlier this year because of Covid.

“The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) executive committee has today confirmed the Qatar Football Association (QFA) as the host association for the AFC Asian Cup 2023,” the Malaysia-based body said in a statement.

China in June 2019 won the bid to host the event but withdrew in May this year because of its “zero-Covid” policy. The tournament had been due to be held in 10 Chinese cities from June 16 to July 16 next year.

The Asian Cup is staged every four years. Qatar won the tournament’s last edition, in 2019, which was hosted by the United Arab Emirates. – AFP