AIFF decides to withdraw bid to host AFC Asian Cup in 2027

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has withdrawn its bid for the hosting rights of the AFC Asian Cup which is to be held in 2027.

The AIFF management will be announcing a strategic roadmap for the federation this month according to which hosting a big tournament is not one of the priorities at the moment.

“Our current focus is building the foundations of a proper footballing structure before thinking of hosting bigger events like the AFC Asian Cup,” said the Executive Committee in a statement.

“India has always been a wonderful and efficient host to big tournaments, which was amply demonstrated in the recently concluded FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup." AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said.

"However, the EC has decided that the overall strategy of the Federation currently remains on focusing on the fundamental goals to strengthen our football at every level from grassroots to youth development." He further added.

India’s best performance at the Asian Cup was the runner-up finish in 1964. The country has never hosted the event.

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