Sports

Australia mulling bid to host 2023 Asian Cup

Australia is weighing up a bid to host the 2023 Asian Cup following China's decision to relinquish its rights to the tournament, Football Australia said on Tuesday.

Sentinel Digital Desk

MELBOURNE: Australia is weighing up a bid to host the 2023 Asian Cup following China's decision to relinquish its rights to the tournament, Football Australia said on Tuesday. China was to host the tournament in June and July next year but 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, saying interested parties must confirm by June 30.

"We are having discussions with the AFC and government in parallel as we determine the process and our interest," a Football Australia spokesperson said.

The Australian government declined 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 said in a statement. Agencies

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