AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 attendance set to cross one million mark, break record
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced that attendance at the ongoing AFC Asian Cup in Doha was nearing record-breaking numbers.
The tournament, which has seen many housefull days during matches featuring Arab teams, is poised to surpass the mark set during the 2004 edition in China.
Nidal Bahran, AFC’s official spokesperson, said the stadium attendance already reached nearly 900,000 spectators after the conclusion of the first round.
He anticipated this number to surge past the one million mark during the ongoing knockout stages. The 2004 China edition witnessed a total stadium attendance of 937,000.
Bahran emphasised that the impressive attendance figures were a testament to Asian football’s strong trajectory, solidifying its presence on the global stage through both marketing efforts and a significant rise in technical prowess.
Adding to the tournament’s success, he highlighted that the current AFC Asian Cup is broadcast in over 160 countries across 60 channels and satellite stations. Additionally, AFC platforms have witnessed a stunning 1.5bn interactions, with a potential for further growth.
He said the Middle East was experiencing a surge in football enthusiasm, with Qatar’s recent hosting of the FIFA World Cup and the ongoing Asian Cup garnering significant attention.
The forthcoming 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia and the potential bid for the 2034 World Cup by them further emphasise the rapid evolution of infrastructure and the enduring passion for football in the Arab world.
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