Asian soccer governing body the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced Australian online trading platform Pepperstone as its official regional partner for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 in Qatar.
The regional deal covers China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
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AFC general secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “The AFC is pleased to welcome Pepperstone as a regional partner of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. This partnership underscores the ever-growing prestige of the continent’s most prestigious men’s tournament, and we thank Pepperstone for their belief in Asian soccer.”
Tamas Szabo, chief executive of Pepperstone, added: “We are thrilled to join forces with the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, an event that resonates with millions across the region.
“At Pepperstone, we choose to partner with like-minded organizations focused on a shared drive and commitment for success.”
The AFC’s global partner and sponsor for the AFC Asian Cup 2023, meanwhile, is Qatari state-owned airline Qatar Airways.
This year’s AFC Asia Cup will be held across 30 days, two more than the 2019 edition in the United Arab Emirates. The AFC claims that this is part of efforts to “enhance the experience for Asia’s passionate fans as well as the stature and commercial value of the competition."
Notable players from clubs playing in England’s top-tier Premier League include Mitoma Kaoru (Brighton), Endo Wataru (Liverpool), Tomiyasu Takehiro (Arsenal), Son Heung-min (Spurs), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolves). Players involved in European competitions include Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Lee Kang-in (PSG), and Kubo Takefusa (Real Sociedad).
TrillerTV, the streaming platform formerly known as Fite, holds the rights to show the national teams' tournament across the UK and Ireland, with German pay-TV broadcaster Sportdigital holding the rights across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Last October, BeIN, the Qatar-based pay-TV sports broadcaster, announced the extension of its relationship with the AFC until 2032.
That broadcast deal includes a wide array of AFC events and tournaments over three cycles including 2022-24, 2025-28, and 2029-32.
Saudi Arabia was recently confirmed as the host for the 2027 edition of the Asian Cup. It will be the first time the country has hosted the tournament.
