Report: Asian nations in the UAE at a time when phenomena are occurring for the first time in history

The Asian continent is hoping for a historic start for the 2019 Asian Cup when it opens in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, on Jan. 5, the first game of the biggest tournament of the continental union.

The AFC Executive Committee, led by Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, decided in mid-April 2014 to increase the number of teams participating in the continent's largest tournament from 16 to 24 teams divided into six groups, with leaders and runners up to the last 16.

In addition to the unprecedented number of participating teams, teams from the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan and Yemen (after unification) are the first to participate in the continental championship.

The tournament will also include prizes for the first time in the competition, where the winner will receive $ 5 million and second place over $ 3 million, while the third and fourth million reward for both teams and the rest teams will receive two hundred thousand dollars.

Cheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), confirmed that Asia is a dazzling rendezvous for the dazzling future, based on the best use of its potential, its diversity and its value real for football.

"We have a rendezvous with history that embodies the spirit of Asian football and leaves ample room for presence, participation, competition and highlights the real value of the game. Asian unity and the development and passion of football in Asia. "

At the next tournament, the fifth assistant referee will participate in the group matches and the sixteenth round, just as the referee will use the video rule technique "VAR" from the quarterfinals. Exhaust your available substitutes ".

"The entire Asian continent is eager to launch the most important competition for the national teams, so it is essential that this tournament considers the application of the latest laws as an unforgettable tournament," he said. he declares.

The winners of the 17-year-old Asian Cup have as a top priority the Asian Cup, unveiled at the May draw in Dubai, designed by London-based Thomas Letty International. .

The new design of the Asian Cup combines rhetoric and strong spirit as the second oldest continental championship and reflects the unity and solidarity of the five regions of the AFC The design and implementation of the new cut took 450 hours, passing through 12 different hands.

"Since 1956, we have the same cup and, in keeping with this exciting new future, the AFC has decided to present a new cup reflecting the enthusiasm of the upcoming tournament," said Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim. Asian football, cooperation, union and harmony are unprecedented "

"The Asian public appreciates everything that can be prepared to be a different and powerful tournament."

In total, 60 referees participate in the management of 51 matches, the largest number of referees of the Asian Cup.

The tournament will start on Jan. 5 with the opening match between the hosts, the UAE and Bahrain, and will continue until February 1, 2019.

Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa concluded by emphasizing that he was very pleased with the preparations made by the United Arab Emirates to make this tournament a success. The fact that the Continental Union is writing a new chapter in the excellence of our Asian map is an opportunity to thank all the members of the organizing committee and the working groups for their positive efforts. "