After carefully reviewing the Bidding Process and Evaluation, the Committee, led by Chairperson Mehdi Taj, recommended FA Thailand as the host of the 17th edition of the competition for its stellar track record and ability to meet the best possible hosting conditions ahead of other commendable bids.
Scheduled to be held from April 17 to 28, the decision will see the Southeast Asian nation equal Uzbekistan’s record of staging the Continental showpiece on three occasions, having previously hosted the 2000 and 2008 editions.
As many as 31 contenders are expected to battle for the 15 spots to join Thailand ahead of next year’s Finals in the qualification campaign to be held across eight centralised venues from October 7 to 11, 2023.
Additionally, following a request from the Japan Football Association, the Committee also agreed to recognise the Japan Football Association Futsal “A” Licence Course to be of equal standing in qualification to that of the AFC Futsal Coaching Certificate Level 3 Course.
The Committee was also updated on the latest developments in Futsal Club Licensing, the various AFC Futsal & Beach Soccer coaching and match official courses and assessment visits, as well as the online meetings conducted for the development of Member Associations (MAs) since the last meeting.
Members of the Committee were also pleased to acknowledge the success of the recently concluded AFC Futsal Train the Trainers Coaching Instructors Selection Course, which benefitted over 20 MAs with the aim of increasing the talent pool of futsal instructors in Asia and unlocking the potential of emerging Futsal countries and territories.
All decisions of the AFC Futsal & Beach Soccer Committee need to be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee to take effect.
