Saudi Arabia among four countries interested in hosting women's Asian cups

Kuala Lumpur: 

Saudi Arabia, Australia,Jordan and Uzbekistan have submitted expression of interest to host the 2026 women's Asian cups,the Asian football confederation (AFC) said on Monday.

If selected, Saudi Arabia,whose womens football team only played it's first match in February this year,will host it's first official inters national women's tournament.

Although recently reforms have given women in Saudi Arabia more freedoms ,many of their rights remain restricted ,Saudi women were banned from attending fixtures in stadiums until 2017.

Women's Asian cups in 2006,while the 2018 edition was played In Jordan , Uzbekistan have not previously hosted the tournament.

"The AFC will now work with all buildings member association on the delivery of the necessary bidding documentation in accordance with the bidding process with a decision to be finalized and communicated in 2023"

The winning bid will be announced next year and the AFC hailed the growing popularity of the tournament.

China claimed a record extending ninth women's Asian cups title after beating south Korea in the final 

Of the 2022 tournament which was hosted by India and expanded from eight to 12 teams 

The 2026 edition is expected to build on the solid foundation of the tournament celebrated legacy,the 

AFC _agencies.