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Representatives from the 24 Participating Member Associations (PMAs) of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 gathered in Doha earlier in the week for an informative Team Workshop ahead of the Continent’s greatest ever showpiece.
With just over three months to go until the 18th edition of Asia’s flagship tournament, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 collaborated to put on the two-day Workshop between 4 and 5 October, which covered aspects that are crucial to delivering a world-class spectacle from 12 January to 10 February, 2024.
Held at the Sheraton Grand Doha with four representatives in attendance per PMA (Team Manager, Media Officer, Medical Officer, Security Officer), the Workshop served to provide clarity on the key organisational and administrative elements of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, as well as highlight essential operational matters and what to expect during the competition.
The PMAs also received the latest updates on various matters pertaining to their teams’ preparations and stay in Qatar, which will become the first country to host Asia’s most prestigious men’s football tournament thrice.
With the end of the first day of the Team Workshop coinciding with 100 days to go to the eagerly-anticipated opening match between reigning champions Qatar and Lebanon, the attendees joined in a special celebratory event that featured the launch of a countdown clock, as well as the Official Slogan: Hayya Asia.
AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “This workshop has been organised to ensure greater collaboration and to equip all participating teams with the relevant tools and knowledge to ensure a successful tournament.”
“The strong sense of coordination and integration between the AFC, the LOC, our Participating Member Associations, and all our stakeholders is the single most crucial factor to our collective success.”
“The expectations of the Asian football family to deliver another historic AFC Asian Cup is higher than ever, so let us come together to organise a tournament that will showcase Asia’s undeniable progress in the global game.”
CEO of the LOC, Jassim Al Jassim, said: “Our commitment to excellence is evident in our state-of-the-art stadiums, training grounds, and world-class amenities. We have left no stone unturned to ensure that every participating team has access to the best facilities possible.”
“Our nation has a rich tradition of welcoming guests from around the world, and this tournament will be no different. We are committed to ensuring that every team feels at home here.”
“I want to assure all participating teams that Qatar is not just a host but a partner in your quest for glory. We are here to support your dreams and aspirations, both on and off the pitch.”
“Our sporting facilities are unparalleled, our hospitality is renowned, and our commitment to making this tournament a memorable experience is steadfast. The stage is set, the excitement is building, and Qatar is proud to host the 2023 Asian Cup.”
In addition, the AFC and LOC also organised a two-day Workshop for the tournament’s General Coordinators (GCs). Held from 2 to 3 October at the Hilton Doha, the programme aimed to provide the eight GCs with a better understanding of the competition, share relevant information for match organisation and coordination, highlight important issues to improve match delivery and identify best practices for optimal coordination of cross-functional activities within the match venues.
Both sets of participants were able to conduct necessary venue inspections across the nine stadiums that will collectively stage the 51 matches. Notably, seven of the stadiums were in use at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, making this the first ever AFC Asian Cup to be played at World Cup venues.
A historic debut for women match officials beckons at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 with a record largest-ever cast of 74 match officials appointed, while the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will make its full debut following its successful implementation from the Quarter-final stage in the last edition in the United Arab Emirates.
