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With the AFC Asian Cup – UAE 2019 reaching the one-year countdown mark, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) with the support of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Friday, January 5 unveiled the official slogan of the competition – Bringing Asia Together.
The slogan was selected following a month-long worldwide engagement campaign launched in October last year, aimed at giving football fans a voice and the opportunity to be a part of Asia’s biggest and most prestigious football tournament.
“For the second time in history, the AFC Asian Cup returns to the UAE and we are confident that the 2019 edition will set new records and excite our passionate fans like never before,” said AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John.
“Bringing Asia Together, encapsulates the essence of the AFC’s Vision and Mission to deliver a world-class spectacle that showcases the strength of our teams and the unity of our Member Associations to ensure the continued growth of football in the Continent.”
The winning entry was submitted by two contest participants – Jalal Nakhaie from Iran and Scott Sommerville from Northern Ireland – who will both receive an all-expenses paid trip to the opening match on January 5, 2019, as well as exclusive AFC Asian Cup – UAE 2019 souvenirs and merchandise.
Even as engagement activities continue to gain momentum, so has the operational readiness of the competition, with the LOC confirming the eight stadiums which will host the 51 matches.
The iconic Zayed Sports City Stadium will host the opening and final match, with the remaining matches in Abu Dhabi to be played in the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium and Al Nahyan Stadium.
Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium will set the stage for the matches in Al Ain and Sharjah Stadium in the Emirate of Sharjah. Meanwhile, the Al Maktoum Stadium and Al Rashid Stadium have been confirmed as the two venues in Dubai.
“Having built a solid sporting infrastructure, the United Arab Emirates is committed to developing its sporting legacy. The AFC Asian Cup – UAE 2019 is one of the biggest showpieces in world football – a spectacle that the Local Organising Committee look forward to hosting and that will showcases the Nation’s credentials as a world-class sporting destination,” said His Excellency Aref Al Awani, Tournament Director of the LOC.
On the field, the AFC Asian Cup – UAE 2019 Qualifiers Final Round has hit fever pitch with 20 teams securing their berths and a mere four places up for grabs on the final match day on March 27, 2018.
