The AFC attracted a record spectatorship of more than 1.5 million fans for the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) continental governing body has renewed its partnership with Match Hospitality Asia, the regional arm of the Switzerland-based agency, to continue as the exclusive provider of the commercial hospitality programme for the 2027 Asian Cup.

Match will again roll out a multi-tiered hospitality programme for the men's national team competition in Saudi Arabia.

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For the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar, the AFC claimed to have attracted a record spectatorship of more than 1.5 million fans and over 40,000 official hospitality guests. The governing body is expecting to exceed these figures in Saudi Arabia. The commercial hospitality program for the 2023 edition was also delivered by Match.

As part of the renewed agreement, Match Accommodation Asia has also been designated as the official accommodation agency, and the official ticket and accommodation agency, of the 2027 Asian Cup.

The extension was brokered by Football Marketing Asia (FMA), the agency responsible for the sale of commercial rights to AFC tournaments. FMA has an eight-year contract covering the 2021-24 and 2025-28 rights cycles.

Match Hospitality is also the commercial hospitality rights holder for FIFA events, which included the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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Seri Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary, said: “The AFC is firmly committed to building on the resounding success of the record-setting AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 and the extension of our partnership with Match Hospitality Asia represents another decisive step in our efforts to provide our passionate fans with an unrivalled match experience.

“We look forward to working closely with Match Hospitality Asia as we strive to stage the greatest-ever edition of Asia’s crown jewel in Saudi Arabia in 2027.”

Enrique Byrom, chairman of Match Hospitality Asia, added: “The whole Match Hospitality Asia team is very proud to have been appointed for a second consecutive AFC Asian Cup as the exclusive official hospitality provider and we are certain that this next edition of the AFC Asian Cup will yet again provide an exceptional sporting experience for fans.

“We very much look forward to applying our expertise and experience to the event and working in close collaboration with the AFC and local organising committee to deliver an outstanding official hospitality programme.”