Bids for Hosting the 2031 and 2035 Asian Cups Withdrawn to Align with FIFA’s Revised Football Calendar

Asia’s football governing body has suspended the bidding process for hosting the men’s Asian Cup in 2031 and 2035. In a message to member federations on Thursday, it was indicated that FIFA requested the tournament be moved to even-numbered years.

A letter from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to its members, reviewed by the Associated Press, arrived just six weeks after the announcement of interested nations, including Australia, Kuwait, and South Korea, each aiming to host one of the tournaments. Japan has expressed interest in the 2035 edition.

According to the letter, FIFA has informed Asian football officials of intended modifications to the international match calendar, prompting the world organization to desire the AFC to hold its premier men’s event in even-numbered years.
The AFC communicated to member federations that “following careful consideration” it complied with FIFA’s request, which is expected to push the Asian Cup to 2032 and 2036, coinciding with UEFA’s European Championship and South America’s Copa America.

FIFA has been contacted for comment.

The AFC stated that bidding for the 2031 and 2035 tournaments “will be entirely abandoned.”

The FIFA-managed calendar establishes dates for national team matches years ahead, with the current schedule extending through 2030. It includes the 2027 Asian Cup, set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia starting on Jan. 5.

This calendar also dictates when clubs around the globe must release players for national teams during qualifying matches, final tournaments, and friendlies.

In recent years, FIFA has faced significant criticism for not adequately consulting on calendar changes, and the European Union in Brussels is currently reviewing a formal complaint from player unions and domestic leagues.