*This content was translated by AI.
Chung Mong-kyu (64), president of the Korea Football Association, expressed his strong will to host the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in 2031 or 2035. Expectations are high on whether Korean soccer, which has not hosted the Asian Cup for more than 60 years since the second Seoul Games in 1960, will be able to regain its hosting and championship at the same time at home.
At a press conference marking the first anniversary of his fourth consecutive term at the Ponyjeong Foundation Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 11th, Chairman Chung Mong-kyu said, "Three recent competitions have been held in the Middle East, and Korea has not held it since the 1960 tournament, so there is enough justification," adding, "It is the right time to upgrade the facilities of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup and host it as a national sports event."
The biggest weapon that Chairman Chung Mong-gyu put forward is the "justification." The Asian Cup has recently experienced a 'Middle East tilt'. Saudi Arabia has the right to host the upcoming 2027 tournament, following the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2019 and Qatar in 2024.
Amid the growing influence of the Middle East within the AFC, the next competition should be held by East Asia, especially South Korea, for the balanced development of the competition. This logic can gain sufficient persuasion even within the AFC.
South Korea has never won a trophy since winning the inaugural tournament in 1956 and the second tournament in 1960. The story of releasing the resentment of more than 60 years in the home room and holding the event at the same time is also attractive as a box office card.
There are many things to look at while the cause is clear. The 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup facility upgrade mentioned by Chairman Chung Mong-kyu is an important task to attract.
Korea has more than 40,000 large World Cup stadiums nationwide, so its basic infrastructure is good. However, considering that AFC's stadium requirements have recently risen to a level comparable to that of Europe, major repairs and updates are essential.
Chairman Chung Mong-gyu also stressed, "We are currently in close discussions with the government and related organizations," adding, "We need cooperation between government ministries and local governments."
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*This content was translated by AI.
