Indonesia has officially submitted its bid to host the 2031 AFC Asian Cup as the sole host nation. The chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, confirmed that the submission had entered the official bidding phase, with relevant documents sent to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“Indonesia has entered the bidding process to become the sole host of the 2031 Asian Cup,” Erick Thohir stated in a written statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday.
With PSSI Secretary-General Yunus Nusi, Thohir signed the official bid documents, which were subsequently submitted to the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
This move is underpinned by a solid foundation. Indonesia was previously one of the co-hosts of the 2007 Asian Cup, alongside Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. That edition was memorable, as Iraq unexpectedly triumphed, defeating Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final.
However, this time, Indonesia has greater aspirations. The country is aiming to become the sole host of the prestigious tournament. Thohir pointed out that the experience gained in 2007 serves as a powerful motivation for Indonesia to show its capabilities in the Asian football scene.
Lihat postingan ini di Instagram
“We last hosted the tournament in 2007, albeit with three other Southeast Asia countries. This time, we aim to be the single host of this prestigious event,” said Thohir.
Benefits of Hosting the 2031 Asian Cup
Hosting the 2031 Asian Cup is expected to bring various benefits to Indonesia, including:
- Infrastructure Improvement: The construction of state-of-the-art stadiums and football facilities to accommodate the tournament.
- Economic Boost: An influx of international visitors and increased economic activity related to the event.
- Football Development: Providing Indonesian players with the opportunity to compete with Asia’s best teams, contributing to the development of the sport in the country.
Preparations for a Successful Bid
To be a successful host, Indonesia will need to make comprehensive preparations, which include:
- Stadium Construction and Renovation: Ensuring that all stadiums and supporting infrastructure meet international standards.
- Provision of Supporting Facilities: Ensuring sufficient accommodation, transportation, and healthcare provisions for players, officials, and fans.
- Human Resource Development: Building the capacity of staff, officials, and volunteers through training and development.
Thohir is optimistic that Indonesia has a strong competitive edge. “With our experience and preparation, we hope the AFC will recognise Indonesia as the ideal choice to host the 2031 Asian Cup,” he concluded.
