China withdraws from hosting 2022 U23 Asian Cup, confirms AFC

Kuala Lumpur, Oct. 16 (IANS): The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that China has withdrawn from hosting the 2022 U23 Asian Cup.

In a statement, AFC said it had noted the decision by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) to withdraw from hosting the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2022 due to scheduling conflicts, stadium completion timelines ahead of other international events and challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The AFC will now reopen the invitation to host the final competitions of the 2022 and 2024 editions of the AFC U23 Asian Cup,” it said.

Meanwhile, AFC also announced that the AFC Futsal Championship Kuwait 2020 will now be further postponed to 2021, after discussions with the Kuwait Football Association and all relevant parties.

“The decision was confirmed after taking careful consideration of the safety and well-being of all participating teams and stakeholders and in response to the recent spike of Covid-19 cases in Kuwait,” AFC said.

It said that the new dates for the competition and other related matters and information would be communicated in due course.