China has been selected to host the 2025 AFC U20 Men’s Asian Cup, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s football journey.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on Friday that the Chinese Football Association has been awarded the hosting rights for the prestigious tournament. The decision was made during the AFC Competitions Committee meeting held in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This selection not only underscores China’s growing influence in Asian football but also promises to bring together emerging talents from across the continent. Football enthusiasts and analysts anticipate that hosting the tournament will further promote the sport’s development in China and provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills on a continental stage.
In addition to China hosting the U20 tournament, the AFC has awarded the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. These decisions reflect the AFC’s commitment to nurturing youth football by providing regular competitive opportunities for young players.
The AFC also approved reforms in line with FIFA’s decision to hold annual men’s and women’s editions of the FIFA U17 World Cup starting from 2025. Consequently, the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers and finals will now be organized annually, offering more frequent chances for teams to compete and develop.
The advancements in scheduling and hosting rights are expected to have a positive impact on the football landscape in Asia, contributing to the sport’s growth at the grassroots level and strengthening international ties through sportsmanship and competition.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
