After China backed away from staging the tournament over coronavirus concerns, Japan has been “voiced” about hosting next year’s Asian Cup, the country’s football chief said.
Japan Football Association president Kozo Tashima told Nikkan Sports that officials from the Asian Football Confederation were in contact regarding hosting the 24-team tournament but did not provide further details.
“We’ve just been sounded out,” Tashima said.
“If Japan were to host it, it would be exciting, no doubt.”
China last week pulled out of hosting the tournament, which had been due to be staged in 10 cities in June and July next year, as the country pursues a strict zero-Covid strategy.
The move came one week after organisers of the Asian Games announced that the event would be postponed due to take place in the Chinese city of Hangzhou this September.
Japan, which co-hosted Asia’s first World Cup with South Korea 20 years ago, has not staged an Asian Cup since 1992.
