AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Kolkata to host the round of the qualifiers

The AFC has accepted India's bid to host the third round of the 2023 China AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers from June 8, 2022. The AIFF will be hosting the leg at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

The AFC in an official statement: "While 13 teams, including host China PR, have already qualified by virtue of their earlier performances in the second round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers; the final 11 places remain up for grabs for 24 teams; in the decisive Group Stage to be held in June across all five AFC zones in six host nations; – India, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan,".

When are the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers?

The AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers will begin on 8th June followed by 2 more match days on 11th and 14th June. However, the group winners and the best 5 second-placed teams will get their berth fixed; for the Asian Cup in China which is scheduled to kick off on June 16, 2023.

On the other hand, the AFC has confirmed that the 24 participating teams will be divided into five seeding Pots; including the Host MAs pot. And all these teams will be seeded according to their FIFA World Rankings.

As per India's current ranking of 104 will be placed in position 1 of the group that they are drawn in.

AIFF in their Statement

"We had bid to host the third round Qualifiers of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023; and are grateful to the Asian Football Confederation for accepting our bid," said AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das. "We understand that playing at home, and that too in Kolkata will be an added advantage to the Blue Tigers; in our quest to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023."

"We had bid with Kolkata as the venue for the qualifiers. The infrastructure in Kolkata is exceptionally suited to host the qualifiers with the stadium, the practice venues, and official accommodation all very closely located. The support from the host Association and the State Government has also always been exemplary," He further added. "We hope that the health parameters in June will allow fans to witness live action in the stadium."