Soccer-Bidding process for 2027 Asian Cup delayed due to COVID-19

Head Coach of South Korea National Team Uli Stielike gestures during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifying group A football match between Qatar and South Korea at the Jassim Bin Hamad stadium in Doha, Qatar on 13 June, 2017 [Mohamed Farag/Anadolu Agency]

The bidding process for the hosting rights for the 2027 Asian Cup has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be held in 2022 instead of this year, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

The selection of the host nation was initially due to be done at the AFC Congress on Nov. 27, 2021.

India, Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are bidding to host the continental governing body’s flagship men’s tournament.

“The AFC Executive Committee acknowledged the travel restrictions in organising the inspection visits to the Bidding Member Associations, which forms an essential part of the bidding process…,” the AFC said in a statement.

“Therefore, it was agreed that the selection of the host for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 will now take place in 2022, instead of the upcoming 31st AFC Congress on November 27, 2021,” it added.

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