It was just over a week ago that leaks started to emerge out of the AFC that a somewhat surprising, or utterly predicable about-turn, depending on how cynical you\u2019ve become over the last decade of Asian football, was made following a whistle-stop bidding process to replace China as hosts of the impending Asian Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The early reaction has reignited the divide between West and East in Asia. With a number of sparks anticipated ahead, could this well be the start to thoughts of a credible breakaway by both regions?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back in May, China officially withdrew their hosting privileges, having failed to secure adequate assurances over logistics and spectator attendance as they, at the time, continued to grapple a seemingly endless COVID pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In early June, a year out from the proposed Asian Cup kick off, the AFC reignited a short, sharp bidding process to take on the baton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While China continued to struggle against a lingering global pandemic, the rest of Asia, in particular in the East, were rejoicing at the new found freedoms of open borders and a return to normal in sporting terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After years of lockdowns and restricted attendances it felt like a promising time for fans to observe an optimistic and forward thinking bid process, as they fought it out for the chance to host in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following initial clamour, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia and Qatar emerged as the four-nation shortlist for the upcoming event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n