China Withdrawal as Host of 2023 AFC Asian Cup Worries Chinese Fans

Chinese soccer players celebrate winning the 2015 Asian Cup match between Saudi Arabia and China PR at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, on Jan. 10, 2015. Matt Roberts/Getty Images

China is withdrawing as host of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, according to an announcement by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Chinese fans worry that the move indicates that lockdowns to contain COVID-19 will continue through 2023.

On May 14, a statement by the AFC acknowledged that the pandemic led to China relinquishing its hosting rights.