With just over 24 hours to go before hosts Qatar and Lebanon take centrestage at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ opener at the Lusail Stadium, the Organising Committee of AFC Asian Cup (OCAC) has praised the exceptional stage provided for Asia’s players and teams to showcase their best ever performance.
Chaired by Mariano V. Araneta, Jr., the members of the OCAC were provided with a comprehensive update on the key milestones and breakthrough achievements leading up to the tournament as well as the readiness of all the main operational components to deliver a true spectacle for all stakeholders.
Chairperson Mariano V. Araneta, Jr. said: “From an operational standpoint, it is clear that Asia is ready to celebrate our grandest ever edition of the AFC Asian Cup™ in history. The AFC President has declared Qatar 2023 as a tournament of ‘firsts’ and this outcome is a tribute to the high level of coordination and integration between the AFC and the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Local Organising Committee (LOC).
“From the launch of the slogan – Hayya Asia – to the introduction of the AFC eAsian Cup, the Semi Automated Offside Technology, Video Assistant Referee systems, enhanced Pre-match Ceremonies, and various Digitisation projects as part of the paperless policy, it is evident that the AFC and LOC are fully committed towards ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all those involved.
“The LOC’s meticulous attention to detail has been truly remarkable so, on behalf of the OCAC, I want to put on record our gratitude to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ LOC for their steadfast commitment to deliver a world-class showpiece.
“We have every faith that we will build on the proud legacy of the previous editions and, just as importantly, strengthen the foundations for future hosts to build on the exemplary standards set by the Qatar Football Association, the LOC and the Qatari authorities.”
In addition to the plethora of enhancements introduced at the 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup™ for the first time, members of the OCAC were also briefed on the new operational initiatives aimed at elevating the quality of organisation, coordination, and delivery of the 51 matches scheduled to take place from tomorrow to the Final on 10 February 2024.
These include the utilisation of digital tools to enhance the overall operational efficiency, a new Team Hotels and Training Sites pairing approach to reduce the distance travelled for participating teams, amongst a series of innovations introduced.
