China wins rights to host AFC Asian Cup 2023

It will be the second time that Team Dragon will host the continental showpiece.

China PR has bagged the hosting rights for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, after all other countries in the running withdrew their bids. 

It was an exciting Asian Cup 2019 with a lot of upsets and eventually Qatar ending on top of the continental showpiece event. This will be the second time China will host the prestigious event after acting as host back in 2004.

South Korea, who were in the race to host the econtinental extravaganza, dropped their bid last month which paved the way for China to host the continent's biggest football event. The announcement was made on Tuesday at the AFC Extraordinary Congress in Paris.

Team Dragon have a phenomenal record at the tournament as hosts. The last time they hosted the AFC Asian Cup, they went on to the final back in 2004. Marcelo Lippi's men delivered a good performance this year as well, as they progressed to the quarterfinals before losing 3-0 against Iran.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa shared his delight at China PR being named hosts of the AFC Asian Cup in 2023.

“Let me be the first to congratulate the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Football Association on being awarded the AFC Asian Cup 2023,” he said.

“This is an important moment for football in Asia and beyond. Football now has a chance to unlock the potential that exists in the world’s most populous country.”

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“We have seen the rise of the game under the direction and investment of the Chinese Government. Now, we have the chance, with this Asian Cup, to develop a true legacy for the global game.”

“Hosting the AFC Asian Cup will provide China PR with great facilities and infrastructure to stage football tournaments.”

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“It will provide inspiration for tens of millions of children. The Asian Cup can provide a launch pad for the great Chinese football teams of the future and more importantly, can place football as the number one sport in the country,” Ebrahim Al Khalifa further added.

“Congratulations again to the Chinese FA and the AFC looks forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”