Yoshimi Yamashita to become first woman referee in AFC Asian Cup™ history

Thu, 11 Jan, 2024

Yoshimi Yamashita to become first woman referee in AFC Asian Cup™ history

Doha: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed today that Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita will take charge of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ fixture between Australia and India on 13 January 2024 (Saturday) – a landmark appointment that will make her the first woman ever to referee a match in the flagship tournament.

It is the latest feather in the cap of pioneering Yamashita, who is one of five trailblazing female match officials to be involved in the 18th edition of Asia’s crown jewel in Qatar. She will be ably supported in the Group B encounter at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium by assistant referees Makoto Bozono and Naomi Teshirogi – an iconic Japanese trio who made history as the first women officials to oversee matches in the AFC Cup™ (2019), AFC Champions League™ (2022) and J1 League (2023).

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3001304.html

Qatar’s Al Haydos seeks title defence; Maatouk eyes history with Lebanon

Thu, 11 Jan, 2024

Qatar’s Al Haydos seeks title defence; Maatouk eyes history with Lebanon

Doha: Hassan Al Haydos is targeting a successful defence when reigning champions Qatar kick off their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ campaign against Lebanon in Group A on Friday.

As for his opposite number Hassan Maatouk, Qatar 2023 represents an opportunity to create history for Lebanese football - a place in the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

Group A - Qatar v Lebanon: Facts & Figures

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Group A - Qatar v Lebanon: Facts & Figures

Lusail: The 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup™ kicks off on Friday with Qatar opening the defence of their title against Lebanon.

Ahead of what promises to be an enthralling opener at the Lusail Stadium, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures of the two sides. 

World-class #AsianCup2023 preparations lauded by OCAC

Thu, 11 Jan, 2024

World-class #AsianCup2023 preparations lauded by OCAC

Doha: With just over 24 hours to go before hosts Qatar and Lebanon take centrestage at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ opener at the Lusail Stadium, the Organising Committee of AFC Asian Cup (OCAC) has praised the exceptional stage provided for Asia’s players and teams to showcase their best ever performance.

Chaired by Mariano V. Araneta, Jr., the members of the OCAC were provided with a comprehensive update on the key milestones and breakthrough achievements leading up to the tournament as well as the readiness of all the main operational components to deliver a true spectacle for all stakeholders.

AFC Asian Cup™ in Numbers

Thu, 11 Jan, 2024

AFC Asian Cup™ in Numbers

Doha: The wait for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is almost over with hosts and defending champions Qatar set to take on Lebanon in the opening game on Friday. 

The 18th edition of the continental competition marks the third time it has been held in Qatar, following on from the tournaments in 1988 and 2011 as, just over a year since the FIFA World Cup, the Gulf nation stages yet another festival of football. 
 
As the big kick-off rapidly approaches, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at the AFC Asian Cup in numbers. 

OCAC Chairperson praises readiness of #AsianCup2023 venues

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

OCAC Chairperson praises readiness of #AsianCup2023 venues

Doha: The Organising Committee of AFC Asian Cup (OCAC) Chairperson Mariano V. Araneta Jr. has today hailed the readiness of the world-class venues ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ opener between defending champions Qatar and Lebanon at the Lusail Stadium on Friday. 

Speaking at an onsite inspection visit at the spectacular 88,000-capacity Lusail Stadium, which will also set the stage for the Final on 10 February, OCAC Chairperson Mariano V. Araneta Jr. said: “Few venues in world football are as iconic as the Lusail Stadium and I am confident that the players, teams and fans will witness an exceptional celebration that will set the tone for the entire duration of the competition.

Alireza Faghani to take charge of #AsianCup2023 opener

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Alireza Faghani to take charge of #AsianCup2023 opener

Doha: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today confirmed the cast of match officials that will oversee the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which will take place on Friday at the breathtaking Lusail Stadium.

Widely regarded as one of the most established Asian match officials, Alireza Faghani has been appointed to officiate the highly-anticipated Group A fixture between defending champions Qatar and Lebanon, which will kick off at 7pm in the 88,000-capacity venue and officially get the 18th edition of Asia’s crown jewel underway.