Next year’s Asian Cup will not take place in China as the country continues to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, it was confirmed on Saturday.
The 24-team event, which was last hosted by the UAE in 2019, was set to be staged across 10 Chinese cities from June 16 to July 16, 2023. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said a replacement host will be announced "in due course".
On Saturday, a statement from the AFC read: “Following extensive discussions with the Chinese Football Association (CFA), the Asian Football Confederation has been officially informed by the CFA that it would not be able to host the AFC Asian Cup 2023.
"The AFC acknowledges the exceptional circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the relinquishment by China PR of its hosting rights.
"The AFC will continue to work closely with its commercial partners and stakeholders to chart the course forward and remains grateful to them for their understanding and support during this period. Further details about the next steps related to the hosting of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 will be announced in due course.”
The Asian Cup is the latest international sporting event to be affected by China's ongoing battle with the pandemic. Earlier this month, it was announced that the Asian Games, set to be held in Hangzhou, were postponed from their original September slot until next year.
China has implemented a zero-Covid policy, with restrictions tightening because of a recent outbreak of the Omicron variant. The country was set to host the Asian Cup for the first time since 2004.
There has been speculation that the rescheduled tournament could take place in Qatar, but in 2024. Qatar are the reigning Asian champions following their title success three years ago.
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
