The Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) decision to grant the UAE the right to host the 2019 Asian Cup is an endorsement of the host’s impeccable sporting infrastructure as well as commitment to the game of football.
The 2019 edition of the tournament will see the number of teams being boosted from 16 to 24 and it will also be the perfect precursor to the UAE’s preparations to host guests from all over the world during Expo 2020.
The UAE’s footballing pedigree was put into focus when it won the right to host the event by thwarting bids from other Asian heavyweights. Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Oman and Kuwait had all bid for the event, with China and Bahrain withdrawing after showing initial interest.
The bid received further endorsement by the AFC when it reiterated that the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) had the capacity to host an event that could surpass the AFC Championship that was held this year in Australia.
The UAE had hosted the Asian Cup, successfully, in 1996.
The UAEFA will be hoping that the country’s national team will win the prestigious event, adding an extra coat of lustre to their reputation of being impeccable hosts.
