Australia should look to co-host men’s World Cup, but 2023 Asian Cup bid unlikely, Football Australia chief says
- Football Australia considers joint bid for the 2030 World Cup in partnership with New Zealand and Southeast Asia nations
- CEO says Asian tournament would clash with Women’s World Cup next year, which Australia is co-hosting with New Zealand
Australia is unlikely to bid to host the 2023 Asian Cup because it would clash with the Women’s World Cup, which it is co-hosting with New Zealand around the same time.
James Johnson, the Football Australia CEO, said the two tournaments were both scheduled for the middle of next year, with the World Cup running from July 20 to August 20.
China’s decision to relinquish hosting rights for next year’s Asian Cup had prompted speculation Australia could step in to stage the continental championship.
However, while Johnson said his governing body had consulted the Asian Football Confederation a bid was unlikely unless the event was moved to later in the calendar.
“The important thing for us is when the competition is going to be played,” Johnson said. “At the moment, it’s expected to be played in the middle of 2023.
“That just doesn’t work for us because we’re hosting the Women’s World Cup around the same time, so we are talking to AFC about whether or not they would be open to a January or February 2024.
“If that’s a possibility, then it’s something that we would explore in a meaningful way.”