AFC President congratulates Vietnam on reaching third round of World Cup qualifiers
VOV.VN - Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has congratulated the nation and other Asian teams on securing their places in the final round of Asian qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as well as the AFC Asian Cup in China ahead in 2023.
With a total of 57 matches staged over 19 days across the continent, the AFC President applauded the dedication of all Asian footballing nations as they came together to safely deliver the remaining qualifying matches amid challenges caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“These were extremely exceptional and challenging circumstances. For the first time, we decided to stage the qualifying matches in centralised venues, as part of our unwavering commitment to ensure above all else, the continued safety and wellbeing of our players, teams, officials and all our stakeholders,” he added.
Al Khalifa also thanked all centralised host Member Associations for their incredible commitment for putting on the fixtures, as well as all participating teams for their determination towards belatedly completing the matches in both a successful and safe manner.
He went on to note his belief that the final round of qualifiers will deliver some captivating moments and will be a true spectacle which will set the standard for the AFC moving forward.
“I wish the 12 teams the very best of success,” the AFC President concluded.
According to the AFC’s latest announcement, the draw for the AFC’s third round of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup will be held on July 1.
The third qualifying round is scheduled to take place from September 2 to March 29, 2022.