Official.. Asian Cup Schedule Moved from Odd to Even Years

Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), said on Friday that the continental confederation would support Gianni Infantino’s bid for a new term as head of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). Sheikh Salman had previously opposed Infantino’s controversial plan to sell the commercial rights to FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, to external investors, a plan that ultimately did not materialize. The FIFA president had later apologized for shortcomings in the “communication and consultation process” related to the project.

In his opening address at the extraordinary general assembly meeting of the AFC in Tokyo today, Sheikh Salman affirmed Asia’s backing for Infantino. Addressing the Swiss-Italian official, who was present at the meeting, he said: “I believe we are reaffirming our full commitment to supporting you and your leadership in your bid for a new term as FIFA President.”

Meanwhile, the AFC’s extraordinary general assembly meeting, held today in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, approved a series of important amendments to the AFC Statutes. In response to the exceptional circumstances created by the anticipated changes FIFA will make to its international competition calendar, and after consultations with the international governing body of the world’s most popular sport, the amendments include transitional provisions on governance, aimed at ensuring continued alignment between the AFC’s electoral cycle and its competition schedule.

In a statement published on its official website, the AFC added: “The ongoing evolution of the international sports calendar will result in the Asian Cup being moved from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years, starting with the 2032 edition.” The statement clarified: “The revised governance framework ensures that AFC elections remain aligned with the dates of its flagship national team competitions.” It added: “This means that the AFC Executive Committee will be able to continue overseeing the organization of the tournament in its crucial stages, ensuring stability and harmony between the AFC’s executive decision-making functions and its operational processes.”

Speaking at the AFC Congress, which unanimously approved the fundamental amendments, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim said: “Your decision today strengthens our governance system and ensures that our regulations remain robust, transparent, and fit for purpose. As previously planned, elections for the AFC’s key leadership positions will be held in 2027. However, under the new transitional ruling, those elected will assume their positions starting January 1, 2028, for a term spanning 2028 to 2032.”

According to the AFC’s statement: “Current members elected for the 2023–2027 period will continue to serve until the end of next year, in line with their current mandate.”