Asia: AFC Congress in Paris appoints China as the host country of the AFC Asian Cup 2023

Gathered at the AFC Extraordinary Congress in Paris (FRA), on the eve of the 69^th FIFA Congress, the AFC Member Associations have "unanimously" appointed China, the only candidate country, to host the AFC Asian Cup 2023, on 04/06/2019.

China has previously hosted the continental tournament in 2004 (13^th edition, the first with 16 teams). Since then, the Asian Cup has grown to include 24 participating countries: this format was first used in the United Arab Emirates from 05/01 to 01/02/2019 (victory in the final for Qatar over Japan 3-1).

"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. 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," said AFC president Cheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa (BHR) to FIFA Council member Du Zhaocai (CHN).

"The Asian Cup can place football as the number one sport in the country" (Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al…