KUALA LUMPUR - Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa announced on Saturday that hosting bids for both the 2031 and 2035 Asian Cup tournaments may be approved in a single General Assembly meeting, as part of the AFC's long-term strategic vision to enhance planning for Asia's premier football competition.

Key Announcements from the 35th AFC Congress:

1. Governance & Development:

• Unprecedented Growth: AFC organized 16 continental tournaments in 2024 (vs. 11 in 2023)

• Record Investments: $303 million allocated in 2024 (63.9% increase YoY)

• Reform Focus: Overhaul of men's/women's club competitions central to AFC's vision

2. Tournament Updates:

• 2024 Asian Cup: Qatar set to host "exceptional edition"

• Women's Asian Cup 2026: Saudi Arabia confirmed as host

• 2027 Asian Cup: Australia to stage tournament

• 2031 Bids: Received 7 official bids, including Kuwait's

3. Tributes & Condolences:

• Observed moment of silence for:
  ✓ Victims of conflict in Palestine
  ✓ Earthquake victims in Myanmar/Thailand (3,000+ fatalities)

4. Financial Approvals:

• Ratified 2025-2026 budgets

• Approved 2024 audited financial statements

5. Special Recognitions:

• Congratulated Japan & Iran for early qualification to 2026 World Cup

• Praised Kuwait FA President Shaikh Ahmed Al-Yousef Al-Sabah's leadership

Strategic Vision:

"The coming years present unprecedented opportunities to reach new heights of success," stated Shaikh Salman, highlighting:
✓ Customized support programs for member associations
✓ Unprecedented interest in hosting rights (2031 bids)
✓ Unified Asian football family driving reform

Note: This translation:

1. Maintains all official titles and protocols

2. Structures information by thematic priority

3. Includes contextual financial data

4. Preserves tributes and diplomatic notes

5. Uses standard football governance terminology

Attendees Included:

• Kuwait delegation led by KFA President Shaikh Ahmed Al-Yousef Al-Sabah

• AFC's 47 member associations