“We will do everything possible to host the Asian Cup in Uzbekistan” – Ravshan Irmatov

Uzbekistan, along with Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, has officially applied to co-host the 2031 Asian Cup. Ravshan Irmatov, First Vice President of the Football Association of Uzbekistan, addressed questions from the football community regarding this bid.  

"The Asian Cup is the most prestigious football tournament on our continent. Therefore, many countries are applying to host it. The AFC is currently accepting applications, and in the next stage, it will approve and officially announce them. After that, a detailed assessment of the applicants’ capabilities will begin. The AFC special inspection will determine how well the candidate countries meet the necessary requirements. The Asian Football Confederation is committed to football development across all regions. So far, the Asian Cup has been held in most areas of the continent, but Central Asia has yet to host this tournament. We hope the AFC will grant our region the opportunity to organize its largest competition," said Irmatov.  

He also spoke about the host requirements and whether the countries are ready for this responsibility.  

"If we look at recent years, Uzbekistan has successfully hosted three major tournaments. When we applied to host the U-20 and U-23 Asian Championships, the AFC initially had concerns about our readiness. However, after we met all requirements on time and with high quality, there was no room for doubt. Hotels, logistics, transport, and other infrastructure were upgraded to international standards. I believe we have earned the trust of the AFC in terms of organization. We also have international-standard stadiums, but we need larger-capacity venues. To host the most important Asian Cup matches, stadiums with a capacity of 40-50 thousand people are required. We are considering several projects in this regard. Our neighboring countries are also making preparations. For example, in Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, construction has begun on a stadium designed for 51,000 spectators. I am confident that if the tournament is awarded to us, Central Asia will deliver one of the most memorable editions in history," said the First Vice President of the UFA.  

Irmatov also highlighted the benefits of hosting the Asian Cup for Uzbekistan.  

"First of all, this is a huge celebration for football fans. Asian football is growing rapidly, with top players joining clubs in the region and Asian players making their mark in Europe's biggest leagues. All of them will participate in the Asian Cup, bringing unforgettable matches to our country. Additionally, our national team will have the opportunity to perform even better on home soil. Our ties with neighboring and brotherly countries will strengthen further. Modern football infrastructure will be developed, and our specialists will gain international experience. The global football community will not only focus on our football but also on our region’s tourism potential, culture, and history. Through football, we can contribute to our country’s overall development. Like all sectors, football thrives with a comprehensive approach. The impact of large projects reaches even grassroots football schools. That is why we will do everything possible to bring a tournament like the Asian Cup to our country," Irmatov stated.  

For reference, Uzbekistan hosted the 2024 Futsal World Cup and previously organized the U-20 and U-23 Asian Cups.