Roger Hampel
The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ has officially become the most attended edition in the tournament's illustrious 68-year history. With over 1.06 million fans flocking to the stadiums, this year's event has eclipsed the previous record of 1.04 million spectators set in China PR in 2004, showcasing the ever-growing passion and enthusiasm for football in Asia.
The landmark moment came during the Round of 16 match at Al Bayt Stadium, where a crowd of 63,753 witnessed the defending champions Qatar secure a victory over Palestine. This achievement not only highlights the tournament's popularity but also underscores Qatar's capacity to host world-class sporting events, further cementing its status as a global sporting capital.
Datuk Seri Windsor John, the General Secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), praised the tournament's success, attributing it to the unity and engagement football brings to communities. He expressed gratitude towards the fans, the Qatar Football Association, the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Local Organising Committee, and all stakeholders for their contribution to making this edition the most accessible and engaging yet.
Jassim Al Jassim, CEO of the Local Organising Committee, remarked on the record-breaking attendances as proof of Qatar's exemplary infrastructure and operational expertise in delivering a culturally rich and accessible tournament. With 11 matches still to play at that point, expectations were set high for continued exceptional performances and fan turnout.
Beyond the stands, the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ has also made significant strides in digital engagement, surpassing the 1.5 billion mark. This digital footprint, combined with an average attendance of 26,672 fans per match, highlights the tournament's widespread appeal and the global community's growing interest in Asian football.
The tournament set another attendance record earlier on when 82,490 fans witnessed the opening match between Qatar and Lebanon at the Lusail Stadium, the highest ever for an opening match in the history of the AFC Asian Cup™. This milestone further demonstrates the successful organization and the magnetic allure of the event, promising even greater achievements in the future of Asian football.
FOT: AFC Media
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