The President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA First Vice President, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, affirmed that the decision to suspend bidding for the 2031 and 2035 editions of the AFC Asian Cup aims to ensure greater consensus and efficiency among potential host nations.
Speaking at the 36th AFC General Assembly held in Vancouver, Al Khalifa emphasized that unity and cooperation among Asian football associations are essential for the continued growth and development of the sport across the continent.
The meeting was attended by President of Fédération Internationale de Football Association, Gianni Infantino, alongside leaders of continental federations and representatives of national associations.
In a statement issued from the AFC headquarters in Malaysia, Al Khalifa highlighted that the past year marked a turning point for Asian football, driven by strong commitment from member associations and their ability to sustain and elevate the game at all levels.
He pointed to a new phase of record investments in national and regional federations and clubs, backed by reforms approved within the 2025 financial statements and the budgets for 2027 and 2028. These measures aim to strengthen financial stability and build on the current momentum of unprecedented growth in Asian football.
Al Khalifa also extended his best wishes to the nine Asian teams preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, while praising the efforts of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the local organizing committee for the 2027 Asian Cup, set to be hosted in Saudi Arabia, for their preparations ahead of the tournament next January.
