Saudi Arabia sole candidate to host 2027 Asian Cup as India withdraws bid

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Saudi Arabia is the only bidder to host the 2027 Asian Cup after India withdrew from the race, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed on Monday.

"The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has been officially notified by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) of their decision to withdraw their bid from the AFC Asian Cup 2027 host selection process," the AFC said in a statement.

The governing body said it will now present Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 19th edition of the tournament to its congress, to be held in February in Manama, Bahrain.

The 2023 edition of the AFC Asian Cup will be held in Qatar after original host China withdrew because of its “zero-COVID” policy. The Asian Cup is held every four years.