Doha: AFC Asian Cup 2023 will carry forward the legacy of last year’s historic FIFA World Cup, said the continental tournament’s Chief Executive Officer Jassim Abdulaziz al-Jassim on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters on the eve of the Asian Cup final draw to be held at Katara Opera House today, al-Jassim said Qatar has hosted major sporting events successfully over the years and has built world-class infrastructures that will provide an unforgettable experience for fans.
The Asian Cup, which will be held from January 12 to February 10, 2024, will make Qatar the first country to host the continental showpiece for a third time after having staged the tournament in 1988 and 2011. With Qatar having hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022, it also means that this will be the first ever Asian Cup to have matches played at World Cup venues.
“Qatar is not only the sports capital of the continent but the country has become sports capital of the world especially after hosting a memorable World Cup,” Al Jassim told reporters at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) yesterday.
The Asian Cup to be competed among top 24 sides will be played at eight stadiums including six which were venues for the FIFA World Cup, namely: Al Janoub Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, Education City Stadium and Khalifa International Stadium. Jassim bin Hamad Stadium and Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium – the home grounds of Al Sadd and Al Duhail will also host matches during the tournament
“We want to carry the World Cup legacy forward by hosting a successful tournament in terms of best venues, infrastructure and organization. The success of the World Cup has raised confidence in Qatar and its organisational capabilities” said al-Jassim. “We are confident of hosting a best ever Asian Cup. It is another big challenge for us after almost a year and a lot of work needs to be done. It will be a tournament of large scale with 24 teams involved,” he added.
LOC’s Director of Marketing and Communications Hassan Rabiah al-Kuwari echoed Al Jassim’s view.
“Our goal is to continue our excellence by hosting the best edition of the Asian Cup and give fans a unique experience,” he said.