Rather than co-hosting the Asian Cup between Korea and Japan, 'Chairman Chung Mong-gyu himself revealed' Weighs 'Only Hosting in 2031.'

*This content was translated by AI.

While the Korea Football Association has applied to host the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in 2031 and 2035, Chung Mong-kyu, president of the Korea Football Association, said directly that he is putting more weight on holding it alone in 2031 than co-hosting Korea and Japan in 2035.

"Co-hosting (with Japan) is one of several options, and holding it alone is the most ideal," Chairman Chung Mong-kyu said at a press conference marking the first anniversary of his inauguration at the Ponyjeong Foundation Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 11th. We are currently in close discussions with the government and related agencies," he said.

Earlier, the Korea Football Association applied to host both the 2031 and 2035 tournaments. Korea, Australia and Kuwait have applied for the bid for both tournaments. Australia, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, and three Central Asian countries (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan) compete in the 2031 tournament, and Japan, Australia, and Kuwait compete in the 2035 tournament. Japan submitted applications for the 2035 tournament only.

In particular, as it was known that the Korea Football Association and the Japanese Football Association formed a consensus on co-hosting the Asian Cup last year, attention was naturally focused on the possibility of co-hosting the 2035 tournament between Korea and Japan. If the possibility of attracting can be increased through co-hosting and cost reduction can be expected, it can be a reasonable option. Each application for hosting has been submitted, but if the hosting plan, which must be submitted by the end of June after mutual consultation, includes only the contents of the co-hosting, the direction may be changed to co-hosting.

Chairman Chung Mong-gyu directly expressed his position that co-hosting with Japan is only one option, and that the focus is on holding the 2031 tournament alone as much as possible. There are so many variables and competition is fierce, but the KFA plans to continue consultations with the Japanese Football Association with the possibility of co-hosting the 2035 tournament as the next best option, considering the possibility of holding the 2031 tournament alone.

Chairman Chung Mong-gyu believes that South Korea's justification for hosting the Asian Cup in 2031 or 2035 is sufficient. Chairman Chung said, "Three recent competitions have been held in the Middle East in a row. South Korea has not hosted the Asian Cup for more than 70 years, he said. "I think it is the right time to upgrade the World Cup heritage (facilities) in 2002 and host national sporting events." In fact, the recent Asian Cup was held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2019 and Qatar in 2023 and will be held in Saudi Arabia next year for three consecutive tournaments in the Middle East. The last time the Asian Cup was held in East Asia was in 2004 in China.

If the Asian Cup is held in Korea, it will be the second time in 71 or 75 years since the second tournament in 1960. The 1960 tournament was also the last time South Korea won the Asian Cup. The Korea Football Association also sought to host the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, but it was pushed back by Qatar. The venues for the 2031 and 2035 Asian Cup will be announced through the AFC General Assembly in the first half of next year.

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*This content was translated by AI.