Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Kuala Lumpur: AFC Vice President His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah has wished AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 participating nations the very best as they prepare for the tournament which will be held next January in Australia.
A two-day Team Workshop, attended by team managers, doctors and officials from the 16 participating nations, kicked off in the Malaysian capital city on Tuesday.
HRH Prince Abdullah, who is Chairman of the AFC Asian Cup 2015 Organising Committee, said: “The purpose of this workshop is to familiarise teams with the event, the AFC Asian Cup 2015, which will be held in Australia.
“Australia is our new brother since they joined us in 2006. Their hosting of this high-profile competition is an endorsement of Australia being part of Asia.
“At the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil, we saw Australia showcase their game and also the beautiful goal by Tim Cahill. This is certainly an eye opener for Australia.
“The World Cup is our benchmark. So this workshop is a timely event to ensure the Asian Cup runs smoothly and, of course, expectations will be very high and all teams want to win the tournament.
“The Asian Cup is a highly prestigious tournament which we started 58 years ago in 1956. I hope you will enjoy the tournament, our festival of football in Asia. It’s like the World Cup for Asia and taking part in it is a matter of pride for the teams.
“I’d also like to commend the efforts by the Australian Local Organising Committee (ALOC) for a job well done. I’m happy to note the great interest in our competition from the people of Australia, the government and multinational corporations. I’ve been told the response has been very encouraging, so we have to put out a good show.
“I’d like to wish all the teams the very best and I hope you will have good preparations for the football festival.”
Meanwhile, ALOC Chief Executive Officer Michael Brown said Australia is ready to host the teams and welcome them and their fans to the continental football extravaganza.
“Wednesday marks 100 days to go to the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 and preparations are going very well with excitement building in Australia. Five cities are ready to host the teams at the Asian Cup, our festival of football.
“Over the next two days, you’ll hear detailed planning and information on the tournament and the ALOC is working very closely with the AFC and the Australian government authorities to ensure a wonderful and safe event.
“The regional cities are also keen to engage with the tournament. When you arrive in Australia, rest assured there will be a great welcome from our multicultural country with communities eager to see the teams they are hosting.
“We’d like you to be ambassadors for the Asian Cup and encourage your media and fans to come to Australia. We hope to have big crowds at the games. The Australian media is very interested in your teams and players and we want to build their profile and raise awareness. We would be grateful for any help you can provide.
“We are committed to making Australia 2015 the best Asian Cup ever. We wish you well in your preparations and success at the AFC Asian Cup 2015.”