AFC: Proposal to Hold Asian Cup in Even-Numbered Years Instead of Odd

Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), announced that the AFC General Assembly approved a series of amendments to the Statutes during an extraordinary meeting in Tokyo on Friday. The changes were made in light of the decision to shift the Asian Cup from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years, starting with the 2032 edition.

This was stated in a statement issued by the Malaysia-based AFC, which conveyed the President’s remarks at the extraordinary 2026 General Assembly meeting, where the amendments to the Statutes governing the AFC’s operations and management were ratified. Sheikh Salman emphasized that the changes would strengthen the governance system and entrench the principles of transparency and continuity, ensuring alignment with anticipated changes in the international and continental competition calendars.

In his address, Sheikh Salman said, “Your decision today strengthens our governance system and ensures that our regulations remain robust, transparent, and aligned with their objectives, guaranteeing continuity and enabling us to move toward a brighter and better future for Asian football.” He called for a focus on the collective interest of Asian football and urged the continuation of the AFC’s model as a continental confederation characterized by transparent governance, unity of purpose, and inclusivity in vision.

The statement clarified that the General Assembly approved significant statutory amendments in response to anticipated changes in the FIFA competition calendar, following consultations with FIFA to ensure alignment between the AFC’s electoral cycle and its major competitions. The amendments reflect the shift of the Asian Cup to even-numbered years starting in 2032, necessitating transitional provisions in the Statutes to ensure continuity of executive oversight during the tournament’s critical stages. These provisions also aim to maintain harmony between the AFC’s administrative responsibilities and operational processes amid anticipated changes in competition schedules and administrative cycles.

In a related development, Sheikh Salman reaffirmed his support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino in his bid for re-election, stressing the importance of unity within the Asian football family and strengthening partnerships and trust among member national associations. He stated, “Our greatest strength lies in our unity,” noting that the historic achievements of Asian football are built on strong partnerships, mutual trust, and a shared vision that unites national associations under the continental confederation. He added that solidarity among Asian associations remains a key driver of the sport’s progress and competitiveness on the international stage, reaffirming the AFC’s readiness to continue supporting FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Under the new amendments, elections for key AFC leadership positions will be held in 2027, in accordance with the first paragraph of Article 32 of the Statutes, specifically clauses (a) to (e). Elected officials will assume office on January 1, 2028, for a term extending until 2032. Meanwhile, current Executive Committee members elected for the 2023–2027 term will continue to perform their duties until the end of 2027, as per their mandate. The AFC stated that further details regarding the electoral process will be announced in due course.

This step comes as part of aligning the Asian Football Confederation’s electoral cycle with the anticipated shift in the schedule of the Asian Cup starting from 2032, after it was previously held in odd-numbered years. The transitional provisions aim to ensure the continuity of administrative and executive oversight of the competition during this transition, without affecting the term of office granted to the current members of the Executive Committee.