China News Agency, Beijing, October 22. The 2023 AFC Asian Cup China Organizing Committee inaugural meeting will be held in Beijing on the 22nd.
It was revealed at the meeting that in addition to the group stage, the Beijing Division will also host the opening ceremony, closing ceremony and finals at the same time.
The 2023 Asian Cup is the highest level and most influential football tournament in Asia hosted by the AFC. The matches will be held in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi’an, Dalian, Qingdao, Xiamen, and Xiamen from June to July 2023. It will be held in 10 cities in Suzhou. There will be 24 teams participating in 51 games.
Du Zhaocai, executive chairman of the organizing committee and deputy director of the State Sports General Administration of China, said that hosting the 2023 Asian Cup is a concrete practice for accelerating the development and revitalization of Chinese football, and an important window to show the world the great achievements of China's reform and opening up and building a well-off society in an all-round way.
AFC President Salman said in a video speech that ten cities will build professional football stadiums to create a first-class football watching experience. China's ability to organize and host top international events will attract world attention.
"We firmly believe that China will present an unprecedentedly successful Asian Cup to the world in 2023."
The Secretary-General of the Organizing Committee Shi Qiang stated that since the successful bidding, in accordance with the requirements of "successful and wonderful, safe and orderly", the preparation of the Asian Cup has been organized in an orderly manner. The design of professional venues has been reviewed by the AFC and construction has begun. .
It is reported that the renovation of the Beijing Workers Stadium has begun, and the construction and renovation of 10 venues in all 10 competition areas is expected to be completed before December 2022.
According to the organizing committee, it will focus on strengthening creative design, highlighting the concept of a community of shared future for mankind, and presenting the opening and closing ceremonies that represent the image of China and are full of football characteristics.
In June last year, China won the right to host the 18th AFC Asian Cup in 2023. This is the second time that China will host this top Asian football tournament after 2004.
China’s national men’s football team advanced to the Asian Cup finals twice in 1984 and 2004, but both ended up runner-up.
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