Football Australia stated, Australia is considering bid to host the 2023 Asian Cup after China’s decision to waive its rights to the tourney.
China was to conduct the tournament in June and July next year however the country’s resolve to maintain a zero-COVID policy has resulted in the 24-team event being moved.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) invited bids for 2023 last month, stating interested parties must vouch by 30th of June.
“We are having discussions with the AFC and government in parallel as we determine the process and our interest,” a Football Australia representative stated.
The Australian government denied to comment on whether it supported a bid.
“The decision to bid …. sits with Football Australia, as the relevant national sporting organisation,” federal sports minister Anika Wells stated in a statement.
South Korea vouched that it will bid for 2023, whilst Japan stated last month that it had been informally contacted about making a bid.
Australia already has a busy 2023 planned as co-hosts of the Women’s World Cup with New Zealand, which begins on 20th of July.
Australia hosted and triumphed the Asian Cup in January 2015, with former coach Ange Postecoglou leading the Socceroos to their first title in the continental masterpiece.
The country’s interest may depend upon the AFC’s keenness to shift the tourney away from the mid-year slot planned for China, given the potential conflict with the Women’s World Cup and the high demand for stadia from rival sports during Australia’s winter.
