The bidding process for the hosting rights for the 2027 Asian Cup has been delayed due to the prevalent COVID-19 pandemic situation, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Wednesday.
Instead of this year on Nov. 27, it will now be held in 2022.
Notably, India, Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are bidding to host the continental showpiece event.
“The AFC Executive Committee acknowledged the travel restrictions in organising the inspection visits to the Bidding Member Associations, which forms an essential part of the bidding process…,” the AFC said in a statement.
“Therefore, it was agreed that the selection of the host for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 will now take place in 2022, instead of the upcoming 31st AFC Congress on November 27, 2021,” it added.