We are confident to get the hosting of AFC Challenge Cup says Azim

Nov 16, 2012 - 12:16:46 | Hussain Sinan
FAM president Ali Azim believes Maldives will get the chance to host 2014 AFC Challenge Cup (MSPhoto: Hussain Sinan)

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Maldives to host AFC Challenge Cup

Male’, MALDIVES – Football Association of Maldives president Ali Azim has said that he is very confident that Maldives will be awarded to host the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup. Speaking to maldivesoccer.com, Azim said that the final decision regarding it will be made in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) executive committee on November 29th.

“I am very confident that Maldives will get to host the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup. Maldives and Philippines have been shortlisted to host the tournament. It is our second consecutive time that we have made the bid. It is the first time that Philippines have made the bid.”

“Last year, when we made the bid and was shortlisted, the executive committee has said that we would be given the priority if we made the bid this time”

Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President, Mariano Araneta Jr., also believes Philippines has a good chance of hosting the 2014 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup compared to the Maldives.

“Maldives, being a resort and tourist heaven, is considered expensive for those coming over for the Challenge Cup,” said Mr. Araneta while speaking to Philippines' media.

“We have reasonable hotel rates, our venues are accessible, and we can certainly guarantee the matches will be played in front of big crowds,” he added.

Meanwhile, India who was omitted from the shortlist has demanded an explanation regarding it. Speaking to the Times of India, All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary Kushal Das has said that they would demand an explanation.

South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) in which Maldives is also a member has also made a complaint regarding the matter. Speaking to Times of India, South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) general secretary Alberto Colaco has said that he has asked an explanation from AFC.

"There is some confusion at the moment. The AFC has recommended two names and India is not among them. I have asked them why India was not in the shortlisted and am waiting to hear back from them,"

FAM president Ali Azim questioned the capacity of Alberto in clarifying the reasons from AFC regarding the matter.

“Alberto is SAFF general secretary. He is not from AIFF. Yes he was the former general secretary of AIFF, but not at the moment. I believe SAFF should work for the benefit of all their member nations. Not just one”

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kanee on Nov 16
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please dont trust this guy,
mohamed on Nov 16
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keep it up, Azim
Soccerfocast on Nov 17
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We wish this might be our chance.Maldives have shown their capabilities and discipline by hosting the best SAFF championship in the history.Our 350000 population assure you the Maldives will be the best destination to host next AFC..The criteria should not be always in favor of Big country.Where is the right of small Nation like Maldives.India pls....Soccer is Maldivian number one .best wishes for Maldivies.
Imma on Nov 19
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Feeling quietly confident for this one. Philippines only started to host their national team's matches last year because their national stadium was in no condition to host international matches due to lack of maintenance. I think AFC will award Maldives the hosting right, with Philippines getting it in 2016.

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