Xtra Time Web Desk: The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to withdraw its bid for hosting the 2027 AFC Asia Cup. The Federation has officially communicated their decision to the Asia Football Confederation (AFC)
The AFC Executive Committee had shortlisted the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) bids to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027 during its meeting on October 17, 2022. The AFC Congress is to decide the final host in Manama, Bahrain, in February 2023.
In a statement released on the official website, the AIFF Executive committee said that the current focus is on building the foundations for a proper structure rather than hosting big events.
“Our current focus is building the foundations of proper footballing structure before thinking of hosting bigger events like the AFC Asian Cup,” said the Executive Committee in a statement.
AIFF President Mr. Kalyan Chaubey said that the current focus is on achieving the fundamental goals to strengthen the sport in the country.
“India has always been a wonderful and efficient host to big tournaments, which was amply demonstrated in the recently concluded FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. However, the EC has decided that the overall strategy of the Federation currently remains on focusing on the fundamental goals to strengthen our football at every level from grassroots to youth development. At the same time, we must also strengthen our stakeholders, especially the State Associations and work closely with the clubs to bring about a change in every aspect of football at the domestic level. All such aspects will truly be implemented when the roadmap is announced later this month,” said Chaubey.
Following the withdrawal of the AIFF bid, SAFF’s bid to host the 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup in 2027 will now be the only one presented to the 33rd AFC Congress for consideration.