Saudi Arabia: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that Saudi Arabia is the only bidder in the run to host the 2027 Asian Cup after India’s federation withdrew its application. The AFC’s executive committee shortlisted proposals from India and Saudi Arabia earlier after Qatar pulled out of the process following their successful bid to host the 2023 edition in place of original hosts China.

The bid from the Saudi federation (SAFF) will be the only one presented to the AFC Congress in February next year, when they meet in Bahrain to decide on the host, as per the reports.

Hosting the tournament would give the country’s football fans more cause to celebrate, After their memorable 2-1 victory over Argentina in the group round of the World Cup in Qatar.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) explained its decision to withdraw by stating that they needed to concentrate on “building the foundations of a proper footballing structure.”

“India has always been a wonderful and efficient host to big tournaments, which was amply demonstrated in the recently concluded FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup,” AIFF President Mr. Kalyan Chaubey remarked.

“However, the (Executive Committee) has decided that the overall strategy of the federation currently remains on focusing on the fundamental goals to strengthen our football at every level from grassroots to youth development,” the President further added.

Saudi Arabia has never hosted the event although having won the continental championship three times. The SAFF also submitted an Expression of Interest earlier this year to host the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup.

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