Brisbane scores with feast of football

Queensland football fans have been rewarded with some of the biggest teams in the region heading to Brisbane following the draw for the AFC Asian Cup 2015.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the largest football event ever held in Australia will see Asian powerhouses such as China, Japan, Korea Republic and Australia battle it out in Brisbane as part of the competition for Asian football’s biggest prize.

“The Asian Cup is a unique opportunity to showcase Brisbane and delivers on the Government’s election promise to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Visitors from nations such as China, Japan and Korea Republic can take the opportunity to enjoy a Queensland holiday experience while joining with local supporters to enjoy the football.

“The 23-day tournament gives local football fans and visitors the opportunity to experience the thrill of international football in our wonderful city.

“45,000 international visitors are expected to be a part of the event. Globally, 500 million people are expected to tune in to watch the games exposing Australia and Queensland to a vast international audience.

“The Asian Cup will showcase Brisbane and the rest of Queensland to the world, further bolstering our reputation as a premier sporting event destination.”

Assistant Minister for Public Transport and Member for Chatsworth Steve Minnikin officially launched the national volunteer program “FC 2015” for the Local Organising Committee.

“Volunteers will be the heart and soul of Australia’s biggest festival of football next summer,” Mr Minnikin said.

“A variety of areas require volunteer assistance including competitions, travel and accommodation, protocol, media operations, training sites, IT, ceremonies, host city operations, marketing, accreditation and venue operations.”

      Brisbane playing schedule

                Match                                                                 Date                                     Pool

Saudi Arabia v China PR                                      Saturday, 10 January 2015                        B
Jordan v Iraq                                                      Monday, 12 January 2015                         D
China PR v Uzbekistan                                         Wednesday, 14 January 2015                    B
Iraq v Japan                                                       Friday, 16 January 2015                            D
Australia v Korea Republic                                   Saturday, 17 January 2015                        A
Iran v UAE                                                         Monday, 19 January 2015                          C
Quarter Final 2                                                   Thursday, 22 January 2015                       1B v 2A

Sixteen countries from around Asia would be playing in the 32-game tournament. For more information on AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 visit www.afcasiancup.com. To apply as a volunteer visit www.afcasiancup.com/volunteering

[ENDS] 28 March 2014

Media Contacts: Minister’s Office – Natalie Wynne 3719 7240