The Asian Football Confederation approved a number of decisions concerning continental football at its regular Executive Committee meeting.
The Asian Football Confederation approved a number of decisions concerning continental football at its regular Executive Committee meeting.
According to the adopted decisions, Uzbekistan will be the host country for the U-17 Asian Football Championship in 2027. Furthermore, it was determined that the 2029 tournament will take place in Saudi Arabia.
Japan was also appointed as the host of the U-23 Asian Championship in 2028. This tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Changes were introduced to the regulations for club and youth competitions at the meeting. The holding of the 'AFC Champions League Elite' tournament in a new format with 32 teams in the 2026/27 season was approved, as was the modernization of the selection system for the U-20 Asian Championship.
The Executive Committee of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has approved Uzbekistan as the host country for the AFC U-17 Cup in 2027. This decision was made at the organization's last meeting.
Furthermore, the committee confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the AFC U-17 Cup in 2029. Japan was also selected to hold the AFC U-23 Cup in 2028.
This tournament will serve as a qualifying competition for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Amendments to the rules governing AFC club and youth competitions were approved at the meeting. Starting from the 2026/27 season, the AFC Elite Champions League will be held in a new format involving 32 teams. These changes will also affect the qualification system for the AFC U-20 Cup.
The international conference 'Phygital Sports Summit Astana 2026' has started in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, as part of the 'Future Games-2026' sports events, which are taking place on July 29.
This prestigious forum gathered heads of sports ministries from various countries, leaders of international sports organizations, industry experts, and representatives of technology companies.
The Minister of Sport of Uzbekistan, Adham Ikromov, participated in the summit events and delivered a report at the session dedicated to 'Shaping the Future of Phygital Sports.'
The conference discussed issues such as the development of phygital sports, the integration of traditional sports with digital technologies, support for youth sports, the implementation of artificial intelligence and innovative solutions in the sports sector, as well as strengthening international cooperation.
It was also recalled that within the framework of the 'Future Games', which will take place from July 29 to August 9, athletes from 35 countries will participate in competitions across eight disciplines. More than 800 athletes will compete for victory in these tournaments.
