Just days after the overwhelming regional support shown during the launch of the Khalifa International Stadium design at the 22^nd Gulf Cup in Riyadh, the President of the Philippines Football Association has highlighted Asian backing for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ ahead of the 60^th Anniversary celebrations of the Asian Football Confederation in Manila.

Inspired by the tournament returning to Asia 20 years after the 2002 FIFA World Cup™, Mariano Araneta, Jr. told www.sc.qa: "It means a lot to have the World Cup back in Asia, especially for the ASEAN, because we are planning to bid for the World Cup in maybe twenty years from now. We will show that Asia can host the World Cup, and I'm sure that Qatar can do it better than other parts of the world."

The President of the Philippines FA added he was delighted at having the AFC back in its birthplace: "We're honored to have the celebrations here. That means they are taking into account the fact that AFC was born here in Manila, which is also fitting for our country because football is developing and we hope that this will further improve the football climate in the country."

As the second Asian Games were unfolding 60 years ago in Manila, the football associations of 12 countries met on the sidelines to discuss the formation of a governing body for football on the continent. On May 8^th, a day before the 1954 Asian Games concluded, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) was born.

Talking about the Philippines' recent 3-0 victory against Nepal in a friendly held in Doha, Araneta, Jr. said the two countries would benefit from the tournament in 2022: "With Filipinos in Qatar supporting football, the World Cup in Qatar will help with football culture in the Philippines."

The Federation chief was also impressed by Qatar's plans to host the first ever compact FIFA World Cup™, saying: "It's so near, Filipinos can go to Qatar and even watch many games in the same day because it will be a compact World Cup, unlike in other World Cups where fans must travel so far."

"The FIFA World Cup in Qatar will not only be a boost for the Philippines, but for Asia as well," he added.

Familiar faces in global football will be present to celebrate the 60^th birthday of the AFC, from former Italy player and FIFA World Cup™ winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, to ex-Dutch ace and AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf.

The Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Hassan Al Thawadi, will be giving a speech highlighting the importance of the tournament for Asia during the anniversary celebrations on the 30^th of November, which will be followed by a short documentary showcasing progress towards the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar^™_.

Just last week the Arabic hashtag "2022 World Cup is for All Arabs" was a trending topic on social media following the unveiling of the new design for the Khalifa International Stadium in Riyadh, with a wide spectrum of regional dignitaries expressing their support for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™.