Record Interest in Hosting AFC Cup 2031 Highlights Rising Commercial Value of Asian Football

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has received a record number of expressions of interest to host the AFC Cup 2031, with seven member associations submitting formal bids. This response marks a significant milestone for the confederation’s secondary club competition and signals the rising commercial and strategic importance of football across emerging Asian markets.

The bidding nations include Australia, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and a joint proposal from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. While the AFC has not yet confirmed detailed technical evaluations, the breadth and diversity of bidders suggest a growing recognition of football’s potential to drive tourism, infrastructure investment, and international visibility.

AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa praised the level of interest, stating, “The remarkable response for the AFC Cup 2031 hosting rights reflects our member associations’ growing confidence and ambition, and underlines the tournament’s increasing value as a platform for football development and commercial growth.”

The AFC Cup, which serves clubs from developing football nations, has become a critical mechanism for expanding competitive access and raising standards across the continent. Hosting rights offer not only prestige but tangible economic benefits. Previous hosts have used the tournament to catalyse stadium upgrades, boost local economies, and expand grassroots engagement. For example, India’s hosting of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup contributed to renewed investment in women’s football infrastructure and broadcast partnerships.

The host selection process for the 2031 edition is expected to run through 2026, with site visits, bid assessments, and final decisions managed by the AFC Executive Committee. Sheikh Salman has also proposed awarding hosting rights for both the 2031 and 2035 editions simultaneously, a move designed to give selected nations more time to prepare and deliver long-term legacy benefits.

The high volume of bids reflects both a maturing football ecosystem in Asia and a strategic shift by AFC member nations toward leveraging sport as a tool for economic and international development. As the AFC evaluates proposals in the coming months, the 2031 AFC Cup is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and commercially valuable editions in the tournament’s history.