Victoria will host the opening match and opening ceremony of Australia’s biggest ever international football event, the AFC Asian Cup, when Australia take on a former Asian cup winner, Kuwait, on 9 January 2015.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Damian Drum explained that ten of the sixteen teams competing in the AFC Asian Cup will play across six matches at AAMI Park (known as Melbourne Rectangular Stadium for the event) in the qualifying rounds, with a quarter-final to also be held.
“Looking at action on the field, some of the top teams in the tournament such as Australia, Japan, Iran and Uzbekistan are playing in Victoria, meaning we are showcasing some of the best international football ever seen on these shores,” Mr Drum said. “In addition we have the economic weight of Saudi Arabia playing two matches here as well as a Japan match that brings a range of benefits to the state through tourism and television exposure.’ “There will be an estimated $23 million economic boost for Australia through the staging of the Asian Cup, the Victorian Coalition Government has ensured that we will share in these benefits to build a better Victorian economy.” Mr Drum concluded.
Schedule at AAMI Park/Melbourne Rectangular Stadium for 2015 AFC Asian Cup:
- January 9 Australia v Kuwait;
- January 11 Iran v Bahrain;
- January 14 Korea DPR v Saudi Arabia;
- January 16 Qualifier v Jordan;
- January 18 Uzbekistan V Saudi Arabia;
- January 20 Japan v Jordan; and
- January 22 Quarter Final 1.