China withdraws as 2023 football Asian Cup hosts due to pandemic: AFC

'The AFC acknowledges the exceptional circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the relinquishment by (China) of its hosting rights'

China has withdrawn the 2023 Asian Cup hosts due to the coronavirus. (Photo: AFC) 

KUALA LUMPUR: China has withdrawn as the 2023 Asian Cup hosts due to the coronavirus, football officials said Saturday, as the country battles its worst outbreak since the early days of the pandemic.

"The AFC acknowledges the exceptional circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the relinquishment by (China) of its hosting rights," the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said in a statement.