---
title: "Asian Football Chiefs Pause 2031 and 2035 Asian Cup Bids After FIFA Asks for Date Shift"
date: 2026-03-20
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/2026/03/20/asian-cup-bidding-halted-after-fifa-request/
categories:
  - "Sports"
  - "World"
tags:
  - "2031"
  - "2035"
  - "AFC"
  - "Asian Cup"
  - "FIFA"
---

# Asian Football Chiefs Pause 2031 and 2035 Asian Cup Bids After FIFA Asks for Date Shift

The Asian Football Confederation has halted the bidding process for the 2031 and 2035 Asian Cups after FIFA requested the continental tournament be moved to even-numbered years, the AFC said following recent discussions with world football’s governing body.

## What Happened

Asian football chiefs announced on Friday that they are stopping the current bidding process to host the 2031 and 2035 Asian Cups. The move follows a request from FIFA to revise the international match calendar and shift the continental showpiece to even-numbered years.

Several countries had already entered the race to host the tournaments, with Australia, Japan and South Korea among those confirmed to have submitted bids or expressed interest.

## Background

The AFC said the decision comes after a recent meeting with FIFA to discuss a potential revision to the international match calendar. FIFA’s request to move the Asian Cup to even-numbered years would require confederations to align their continental competitions and international windows accordingly.

Stopping the bidding process allows the AFC and potential hosts to await clarity on the revised calendar before committing to tournament dates and related planning, the confederation indicated.

## What This Means

Any change to the international match calendar could have broad implications for national associations, domestic leagues and club competitions. Shifting the Asian Cup to even-numbered years would affect scheduling of qualifiers, international breaks and coordination with other confederations’ tournaments.

For readers in Panama and across Latin America, the development is notable because calendar revisions proposed by FIFA would require coordination between confederations worldwide, including CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. That could influence international windows, player release periods and the timing of club contests involving players from multiple regions.

## Next Steps

The AFC and FIFA will need to reach agreement on any calendar changes before the Asian Cup bidding can resume. Potential hosts who have already invested time and planning will likely wait for formal confirmation of dates before restarting or revising their bids.

Until FIFA and the confederations clarify the international match calendar, the host selection process for the 2031 and 2035 Asian Cups will remain on hold.