AFC Qatar show MATCHless hospitality plans

Article posted by Coliseum, June 23^rd, 2023

Image: Coliseum GSVA

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) recently announced the appointment of MATCH Hospitality Asia as its exclusive provider of the commercial hospitality program for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which is scheduled to take place from January 12^th to February 10^th, 2024.

‘Football Marketing Asia’ stated that as part of the agreement, MATCH Accommodation Asia has also been endorsed by the AFC as an ‘Official Accommodation Agency of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™’ and will operate an accommodation program within Qatar.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the governing body of Asian football and one of the six Confederations making up FIFA. Established in 1954, the AFC is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and comprises 47 Member-Associations.

Apply for membership

The AFC organizes the AFC Asian Cup™, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ and the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ which are the flagship continental national team football and futsal competitions, while the AFC Champions League™ is the premier competition for Asian clubs, drawing millions of fans to the beautiful game across the length and breadth of the continent and beyond.

MATCH Hospitality Asia and MATCH Accommodation Asia are based in Doha, Qatar, and are part of the Byrom Group, a global sports event management company specializing in the delivery of Ticketing, Hospitality, Technology, and Accommodation solutions for major sporting events for over 30 years. With a global presence including offices across Asia, Europe and the Americas, the Group’s affiliated companies have evolved to acquire unparalleled expertise and are the industry leaders in the development, sales management and production of official commercial sports hospitality programs and accommodation services for the most sought-after sports programs in the world.

‘Football Marketing Asia’ further stated that Football Marketing Asia (FMA) is the exclusive commercial partner of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the rights cycles 2021-2024 and 2025-2028 (excluding (i) Japan in the case of media and certain sponsorship rights; and (ii) Middle East/North Africa (MENA) in the case of media rights). The FMA is headquartered in Hong Kong S.A.R. (special administrative region), with offices in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and China PR. The FMA combines unparalleled global football experience with in-depth Asian knowhow and expertise.

The hospitality program will bolster fans’ experiences at Asia’s top football competition by providing extensive and wide-ranging hospitality options throughout the tournament. Additionally, MATCH Accommodation Asia will also be offering ticket and accommodation packages to fans wishing to benefit from an integrated purchase system for their trip.

Said Datuk Seri Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary, “The appointment of the commercial hospitality service provider for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ represents yet another important milestone as we strive to deliver the best ever edition in Asian football history. The AFC is delighted to partner with MATCH Hospitality Asia, and we are confident that they will set new benchmarks in engaging the largest football community in world football, as underlined in the AFC’s Vision and Mission, through the biggest single sports event on the Continent.”

Added Enrique Byrom, head honcho of MATCH Hospitality Asia, “The whole MATCH Hospitality Asia and MATCH Accommodation Asia team is very proud to have been appointed as the exclusive official hospitality provider, an official accommodation agency and an official ticket and accommodation package provider for the AFC Asian Cup 2023™. Through our extensive experience of working on high-profile sports events in Asia and around the world, together with our recent working knowledge of the stadiums and hotel infrastructure within Qatar, we are certain that this next edition of the AFC Asian Cup™ will prove to be an outstanding success.”

Stated Patrick Murphy, Board Member and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Football Marketing Asia, “We are continually striving to provide our partners and fans with the best experiences, and we are confident in MATCH Hospitality Asia and MATCH Accommodation Asia’s ability to create comprehensive hospitality and accommodation programs that Asian football fans from across the world can enjoy at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™. As a partner for some of the world’s most prominent sporting events, they will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in providing best-in-class hospitality services that suit the caliber of Asia’s top national team competition.”

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

Watch 250 member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue