South Korean media giant NEWS1 has disclosed that the sharp deterioration of the country's anti-epidemic situation has caused the 2022 East Asian Cup soccer tournament, which was originally planned to be held on our territory in July, to face a possible change of venue to South Korea.
Reports indicate that South Korea and Japan could be alternative hosts, given the increased pressure on the country to prevent epidemics. The East Asian Cup, an event organized by the East Asian Football Association (EAFA), rotates among member countries every two years. Japan, South Korea and the country automatically qualify for the final round, while the one remaining spot is created through a qualifying round. The last edition of the tournament ended in Busan, South Korea in 2019, with the South Korean men's soccer team beating Japan in the final to win the title. However, the sudden onslaught of a new crown epidemic led to the postponement of the tournament.
The tournament, which was scheduled to be held on our territory from 19 to 27 July, was eventually abandoned by our Football Association as a host due to the precariousness of the anti-epidemic situation. It has been confirmed that our Football Association has sent official letters to the Korean and Japanese Football Associations expressing its position on the matter.
In the usual order, Japan should be the host of the next tournament, but the Japanese side has also expressed concerns about the new crown epidemic. In contrast, the Korean Football Association (KFA) is open to taking over the hosting of this year's East Asian Cup.
Sources within the Korean Football Association (KFA) have revealed that although South Korea and Japan have signed a cooperation document, it has not been easy to organize tournaments in Japan due to the epidemic. The KFA has shown a more forward-looking attitude.
With the World Cup in Qatar approaching in November, it would help maintain World Cup fever and help Bento's national team stay competitive if they could continue to host the East Asian Cup in their home country after national team training in June. However, it should be noted that the East Asian Cup is not a FIFA-mandated international competition day, and it is expected to be difficult for overseas players playing in Europe to return to the team. In addition, if it were to be held in South Korea, it would need to be coordinated with the K-League's fixtures and venue arrangements.
At the same time, the Japanese Football Association is also active. According to Japanese media reports on the 14th, the Japanese Football Association expressed its willingness to host the East Asian Cup through an online media briefing. The JFA said, "Our country has taken measures to prevent the spread of the new crown virus and decided to give up hosting it in its own country, and the East Asian Football Association is looking for an alternative venue."
