India launches bid to host 2027 AFC Asian Cup
India will fight with Qatar, Iran, and Saudi Arabia to earn the hosting rights for the marquee competition
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally launched its campaign to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in New Delhi on Wednesday afternoon.
India has already displayed its credentials of hosting top-level tournaments by organising the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup and are now set to host the U17 Women’s World Cup in 2022, followed by the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
The India 2027 campaign's logo, revealed at the launch, represents the ambition, commitment, focus and spirit of the bid, epitomised by the royal tiger. The tiger is also an emblem of India’s national team, the Blue Tigers. The slogan, Brighter Future Together, highlights the exceptional opportunity the bid presents for AFC and AIFF to work in partnership and take Indian and Asian football to the next level.
This is an attempt by the Indian FA to take Asian football to new heights by working in partnership with the AFC to unlock new commercial opportunities, drive growth and build on an ever-growing love for the sport among the country’s youth.
It has taken a lot of hard work to reach the level we are at today, where we can think of hosting international events year on year. The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India left an indelible mark on our country and we're now working towards ensuring FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup go down as two of the most successful women's international football tournaments. - AIFF President Praful Patel
Patel further added that hosting such a tournament will help improving the existing infrastructure and popularise the game in the country.
“We're continuously working on infrastructure upgradation and football development, and India would be honoured to be selected as the host for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. It is an unparalleled opportunity to take Asian football to new heights and create a Brighter Future Together, for India.
Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Kiren Rijiju, promised every support to the federation on behalf of the government so that India wins the bid. "Hosting Asia's biggest football event, the AFC Asian Cup 2027 will be a huge milestone for Indian sports. Our nation is perfectly poised to host a mega sporting event of this magnitude," Rijiju said.
The 2019 edition of the Asian Cup, hosted by UAE, was won by Qatar. The next one will be hosted by China in 2023. If India wins the hosting rights, it will mark the country's debut as Asian Cup hosts. Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia had also submitted its bid to host the tournament.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, are among the four AFC Member Associations bidding to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027 alongside India.