AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023: We Are Ready to Host Best AFC Asian Cup in History, Says AFC President

Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa stressed his confidence in the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 to deliver a true celebration of Asian football that will leave a lasting impression on the Continent's players, teams and passionate fans.

Chairing the 1st AFC Executive Committee meeting for the term 2023-2027 in Doha, Qatar, Shaikh Salman hailed the steadfast efforts of the LOC, ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Final Draw which will be held at the Katara Opera House tomorrow, outlining his gratitude to the LOC, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and the Qatari Authorities for their impeccable hosting capabilities, the AFC website reported.

The Executive Committee members were apprised of the tournament's milestones, which include the eight confirmed world-class venues and competition dates as well as several other key operational aspects. The updates were also presented to the Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup at its first meeting, which was chaired by Acting Chairperson Kohzo Tashima, earlier in the day.

The AFC President said: "As we all witnessed just less than six months ago at the FIFA World Cup, Qatar is amongst the best sporting destinations, not only in Asia, but across the globe, and we are confident that we will experience a memorable spectacle befitting the ever-growing stature of the AFC Asian Cup.

"For the first time in history, Asia's crown jewel will be staged in FIFA World Cup stadiums, and we know that our teams and players are eager to showcase their talent in some of the world's finest sporting arenas.

"The AFC has reiterated our ambitions to stage world-class competitions for our teams, players and match officials, and we must express our utmost gratitude to the LOC, the QFA and the Qatari Government for sharing our Vision and Mission for Asian football." With the anticipation building towards Thursday's AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Final Draw, the AFC President also took the opportunity to wish Asia's 24 teams the very best of success.

Shaikh Salman added: "Our 24 teams deserve our praise for reaching this stage of the tournament under exceptional circumstances and we wish them the very best of luck ahead of the Final Draw tomorrow. I know our players, teams and passionate fans are waiting eagerly for this milestone event, and the AFC and LOC are ready to host the best AFC Asian Cup in history."

(QNA)