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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that Match Hospitality Asia will be the exclusive provider of commercial hospitality for the upcoming 2024 Asian Cup in Qatar.

Qatar, which was named tournament host last year after China relinquished its rights to hold the event due to issues resulting from the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, will stage the AFC’s showpiece national team tournament from 12th January to 10th February next year.

With less than two years to plan, Qatari officials have moved rapidly to deliver the tournament overlay, and have moved to use Match Hospitality Asia’s recent experience during the 2022 FIFA World Cup to aid delivery of the contract.

As part of the agreement announced on Tuesday, Match Accommodation Asia has also been endorsed by the AFC as an ‘official accommodation agency of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023’, and will operate an accommodation program during the event - offering ticket and accommodation packages for fans that wish to benefit from an integrated purchase system.

Announcing the partnership, AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor John stated “the appointment of the commercial hospitality service provider for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 represents yet another important milestone as we strive to deliver the best ever edition in Asian football history.

“The AFC is delighted to partner with Match Hospitality Asia, and we are confident that they will set new benchmarks in engaging the largest football community in world football, as underlined in the AFC’s vision and mission, through the biggest single sports event on the continent.”

Enrique Byrom, Chief Executive of Match Hospitality Asia, added “the whole Match Hospitality Asia and Match Accommodation Asia team is very proud to have been appointed as the exclusive official hospitality provider, an official accommodation agency, and an official ticket and accommodation package provider for the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

“Through our extensive experience of working on high-profile sports events in Asia and around the world, together with our recent working knowledge of the stadiums and hotel infrastructure within Qatar, we are certain that this next edition of the AFC Asian Cup will prove to be an outstanding success.”

Headquartered in the Swiss city of Zurich, Match Hospitality has extensive experience in major football events, including an ongoing responsibility for the entire operation of the FIFA Hospitality Program.

It is currently marketing official travel packages for Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final between Inter Milan and Manchester City in Istanbul, along with official hospitality for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In April, the AFC revealed the venues for the Asian Cup, with six FIFA World Cup 2022 stadia chosen. Lusail Stadium was left out of the selection.

Al Janoub Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, Education City Stadium and Khalifa International Stadium will all host matches.

Image: Qatar fans at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

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