Qatar has been crowned the host for the prestigious AFC Asian Cup 2023. Being the reigning champions of the Cup, Qatar is hosting the tournament for the third time after its successful editions in 1988 and 2011. 

The announcement came from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee today with AFC President Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa congratulating the QFA on a successful bid. 

OFFICIAL: Qatar wins the bid to host the AFC Asian Cup 2023! ??? pic.twitter.com/xhxGrm83fD

— Qatar Football Association (@QFA_EN) October 17, 2022

He said: “On behalf of the AFC and the Asian football family, I want to congratulate the Qatar Football Association on being awarded the hosting rights of the upcoming edition of the AFC Asian Cup. We must also thank the Football Association of Indonesia and the Korea Football Association for outlining their intentions to stage the tournament.

“Qatar’s capabilities and track record in hosting major international sporting events and their meticulous attention to detail are well admired throughout the globe.

“I must also commend the AFC for showcasing utmost professionalism in conducting a fair and transparent expedited bidding process and I thank all our commercial partners and sponsors for their patience during these unprecedented times.

“Given the short lead time in preparation, we know that the hard work begins immediately but with their existing world-class infrastructure and unrivaled hosting capabilities, we are confident that Qatar will stage a worthy spectacle befitting the prestige and stature of Asia’s crown jewel.”

✅ ????????? ✅#AsianCup2023 will be played in ?? Qatar! pic.twitter.com/Et4SWySng1

— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) October 17, 2022

The AFC Committee also looked into proposals for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and shortlisted the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) as the final two bidders. However, the AFC Congress will decide its next host in February 2023. As per the rules, Qatar has withdrawn its bid for AFC Asian Cup 2027 after successfully winning it in 2023. 

Football Australia withdrew their bid in September 2022, Uzbekistan Football Association and the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran also officially withdrew their bids in December 2020 and October 2022.

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Source and images credit: The AFC