KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) are not game to host the 2023 Asian Cup.
That is FAM's response after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) threw open the hosting job to all their members after China withdrew as hosts of the 2023 Asian Cup due to the Covid pandemic.
FAM secretary general Saifuddin Abu Bakar said it would be close to impossible for Malaysia to take over the hosting job due to several factors, including time constraint in preparation.
"I think we will not bid to host the 2023 Asian Cup because the preparation is immense," said Saifuddin.
"In terms of accommodation, we wouldn't have any issues but when it comes to field preparation (it could pose a problem) because following the criteria set, the host needs to have at least four match venues as well as training fields that are of equal standard of the competition pitch.
"With the short amount of time, I think it would be impossible to fulfil the necessary criteria but it is subject to the decision set during the upcoming FAM exco meeting."
On Friday, AFC general secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said the bidding for the hosting job is open to all 47 member associations of the Asian body.
According to Windsor, the documentation for the hosting bid will be finalised and sent to those who are interested in the coming week.