Asian football’s governing body invited bids to conduct the 2023 Asian Cup following China withdrew as organizers due to the COVID-19, with Japan a possible replacement.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) set a time limit of 30th of June for member associations to present new bids, after which officials will make a decision on the host.
In May, the AFC stated that China had step down as hosts of the 24-team Asian Cup, which is schedule to take place in June-July next year, as the country follows a zero-COVID policy — a stance that makes organizing sports events a major challenge.
Japan Football Association chairman Kozo Tashima recently notified local media that his country had been ‘sounded out’ about holding the tourney next year.
“If Japan were to host it, it would be exciting, no doubt about it,” Tashima said.
The Asian Cup is conducted every 4 years, with Qatar triumphing the last version in 2019.
