AFC team inspects stadium facilities: AFC Asian Cup 2007

A high-powered AFC delegation concluded inspection visits to AFC Asian Cup 2007 venues in the four host countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand recently.

During the week-long visit, all four governments announced their commitment towards ensuring successful hosting of Asia”s flagship national team competition, while Indonesia and Vietnam expressed their strong desire to host the final.

Sixteen teams will contest the final rounds of the AFC Asian Cup 2007 (July 7-29, 2007), which, for the first time in its history, is being co-hosted by four countries.

The first stop was Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and visits took in the National Stadium at Bukit Jalil, the proposed main venue and the Shah Alam Stadium (at Selangor; proposed second venue). The AFC team noted that preparations were on track with on-going renovation in the stands.

Dato” Seri Dr Ibrahim Saad, General Secretary of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), said: SWe”ve hosted three AFC competitions so far – the AFC U-17 playoff (DPR Korea vs Thailand), the AFC U-19 Women”s Championship and the AFC Futsal Championship qualifiers, and this demonstrates our credibility to be a good host.”

Dr Saad also pointed out that more AFC competitions (AFC U-14 Festival of Football and the AFC President”s Cup) would be hosted by Malaysia in the coming days.

“We are looking forward to the AFC Asian Cup in 2007 and I am sure Malaysia and ASEAN will not let the AFC down,” added the FAM General Secretary.

The next stop was Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, and the AFC delegation visited the Rajamangala Stadium (proposed main venue) and the Supachalasai Stadium (proposed second venue). Here, it was decided that all renovation and upgradation would be based on the final assessment and instruction report which will be submitted by the AFC team shortly.

Dato Worawi Makudi, General Secretary of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) said: SWe are more than willing to cooperate with the AFC on all matters concerning the AFC Asian Cup 2007.”

SIf there is anything we are not doing right, we will fine-tune it and rectify the mistakes. Let”s work together towards making this event a big success.”

In the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, My Dinh Stadium, the proposed main venue, and Thien Truong Stadium (proposed second venue) were visited by the AFC delegates. A thorough revamp is on at the Thien Truong Stadium.

Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Nguyen Trong Hy commented: SThe AFC Asian Cup is not just for the VFF but for the whole of Asia. It is a big honour to co-host this tournament.”

On Vietnam”s proposed bid for hosting the grand finale, VFF General Secretary Dr Tran Quoc Tuan said: SVietnam is well prepared to co-host the event and we are looking forward to be given the mandate to host the final at the brand new My Dinh Stadium.”

The Sports Minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Danh Thai, assured his government”s full backing for the grand spectacle. SVietnam is a football-crazy country and I am confident that the stadiums here will be full all the time for the matches,” said Thai.

In Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, the delegation visited the proposed main venue, the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. The stadium, which is undergoing a massive facelift, is expected to be ready by the end of July. The alternative venue in Indonesia is yet to be decided with Bandung and Palembang in the running.

The Indonesia Deputy Sports Minister Professor Djohar Arifin and Director of the Indonesia AFC Asian Cup 2007 Task Force Timmy Setiawan were also present during the visit.

Underscoring the importance of close coordination with the AFC, Vice President of the PSSI (Football Federation of Indonesia) Dali Taher said: SPSSI will do its best to fulfil the high standards set by the AFC to ensure the success of the AFC Asian Cup next year. But it is important for both parties to work closely.”

SGelora Bung Karno will be ready by the end of July and we will have a simulation test on it later,” informed PSSI General Secretary Nugraha Besoes. SIndonesia is ready to host the tournament and we want to stress that we would like the final to be hosted here in Jakarta.”

Summing up the fruitful visits, General Farouk Bouzo, AFC Treasurer and AFC Asian Cup Organising Committee member, said: SThere are no boundaries between the co-hosts and the AFC Asian Cup Task Force, I want to stress that we are one teamEe are all working together to ensure the success of the AFC Asian Cup 2007.”

SFrom now on, we must work closely with the Local Organising Committee and the local sports authority to gear up for Asia”s premier event.”

“I fully believe in the four co-hosts” abilities. I am sure that they won”t let anyone down.”

(AFC)