The Khalifa International Stadium in Doha
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) yesterday confirmed the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar as the neutral venue for the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar Group B match between Australia and China on September 2, as well as the Group A tie between Iraq and Islamic Republic of Iran scheduled for September 7.
Following an assessment of the ongoing security situations in Iraq and Syria and in light of the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and China respectively, it was decided that the upcoming home matches involving the four nations will be held at neutral venues as part of the AFC’s efforts to ensure the highest safety standards and optimum playing conditions for all stakeholders.
With Qatar also confirmed earlier as the neutral venue for the China and Japan Group B contest, and Amman, Jordan selected as the venue for Syria’s home encounter against the United Arab Emirates, the latest decision brings to a close the neutral venue selection process for all the opening matches of the AFC Asian Qualifiers, scheduled to take place on September 2 and 7.
