Asian Cup to be held in even-numbered years from 2032 after AFC approves statute changes
The AFC approved the amendments unanimously at an Extraordinary Congress in Tokyo, saying they form part of efforts to align with FIFA's evolving…
The Asian Cup will be held in even-numbered years from 2032, after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) approved a set of changes to its statutes on Friday, according to CNA.
The amendments won unanimous approval at an Extraordinary Congress in Tokyo. According to the AFC, the amendments are intended to bring the confederation into step with the changing international calendar set by FIFA.
The tournament switches cycle from 2032
The competition has traditionally been staged in odd-numbered years, and the 2032 tournament will be the first on the new even-year cycle. The next edition is set for January to February 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
In the AFC's explanation, the switch means the timing of its leadership terms matches that of its main tournament for national teams, while the executive committee can stay in charge of the event through the crucial phases of organising it.
Elections stay in 2027, with a new start date
Voting for the AFC's leadership posts, the body confirmed, will go ahead in 2027 as before. A four-year mandate lasting until 2032 will begin for the newly elected officials on January 1, 2028. Until 2027 ends, the executive members now serving will carry on in their roles.
Telling delegates that "Your decision today reinforces our governance and ensures our regulations remain robust, transparent, and fit for purpose to guarantee continuity, enabling us to usher in a brighter and better future for Asian football," AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who is pursuing a fourth term in office next year, addressed the congress.
