Football Australia has (FA) withdrawn from the bidding process to replace China as the hosts of the 2023 AFC Asia Cup, instead focusing on their bid to host 2026 AFC Women’s Asia Cup.

Australia submitted an expression of interest in July to replace China as the tournament’s host, who, after winning the original hosting rights in 2019, pulled out as it pursues a zero covid policy.

South Korea, Indonesia and Qatar are the countries left in the race after Australia’s exit.

No reason has been given for Australia’s withdrawal from the bidding.

Australia has recently hosted the 2015 AFC Men’s Asia Cup and is set to host 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup alongside New Zealand.

The FA had stated it’s preference to delay the tournament until January and February of 2024 to avoid a clash with next year’s Women’s World Cup if it has won hosting rights.

The group Australia is up against in the bidding to secure the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup includes Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan.

Expressions of interest closed at the end of July with a host to be announced in 2023.