Ravshan Irmatov: The 2031 Asian Cup presents a historic opportunity for Central Asia.

Currently, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is accepting bids, which will then undergo a process of approval and official announcement. Following this, a comprehensive evaluation of the capabilities of the bidding countries will commence.

A special inspection team from the AFC will assess how well these countries meet the established requirements. The confederation is keen on promoting football across all regions of Asia. So far, the Asian Cup has been held in various parts of the continent, with the exception of Central Asia, which raises hopes for support for the region's bid.

Regarding the requirements for host countries and Uzbekistan's readiness, Irmatov emphasized that in recent years, the country has successfully hosted three major continental tournaments — the U-20 and U-23 Asian Championships.

Initially, the AFC had doubts about Uzbekistan's readiness for such competitions; however, once all requirements were met to a high standard and on time, those concerns vanished. During the preparations, hotels, logistics, transportation infrastructure, and other crucial facilities were aligned with international standards. This has allowed Uzbekistan to strengthen its reputation as a reliable organizer.

The country already boasts modern stadiums that meet international requirements, but for key matches of the Asian Cup, venues with a capacity of 40,000 to 50,000 spectators are necessary. Active work is underway in this direction.

Additionally, neighboring countries are also ready to support the tournament. For example, construction has already begun on a stadium for 51,000 spectators in Bishkek (Kyrgyz Republic). Irmatov expressed confidence that if the bid is approved, Central Asia will be able to host one of the most memorable tournaments in the history of the Asian Cup.

Speaking about the significance of the tournament for the region, Irmatov highlighted that its staging will be a true celebration for fans. Asian football is rapidly evolving: leading global stars are coming to the continent, and Asian players are increasingly transferring to top European clubs. All of them will participate in the Asian Cup, and spectators will have the opportunity to see their performances in their home stadiums.

In addition to exciting football, the tournament will bring long-term benefits: the national team will gain the advantage of playing at home, ties with neighboring countries will strengthen, football infrastructure will develop, and Uzbek specialists will gain valuable international experience. Moreover, hosting the Asian Cup will draw the attention of the global football community not only to regional football but also to the culture, history, and tourism potential of Central Asia.

According to Irmatov, such a large-scale project will even impact children's football schools and will be an important step in the development of sports in the region. "We will do everything possible to ensure that the Asian Cup takes place here," he concluded.