China Withdraws as 2023 Asian Cup Host Due to COVID-19

China withdrew as the 2023 Football Asian Cup host amid the surging cases of coronavirus in the state, football officials announced on Saturday. Advertisements The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said it had been "officially informed by the (Chinese Football Association) that it would not be able to host" the tournament. "The AFC acknowledges the exceptional circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the relinquishment by (China) of its hosting rights," the governing body indicated in a statement. The 24-team competition was supposed to be played across 10 Chinese cities in June and July next year. The AFC did…