Asian Cup destined for Australia

Australia has been confirmed as the 2015 Asian Cup host after its uncontested bid was approved by the Asian Football Confederation on Wednesday.

Even though Football Federation Australia (FFA) was the only bidder, their proposal still had to be screened by the AFC executive committee, but garnered unanimous support.

The event will be the first major international football tournament Australia has hosted since becoming part of the AFC in 2006.

AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam made the announcement and was full of praise for the quality of the Australian bid.

“I am happy and honoured to announce that the executive committee of the Asian Football Confederation has approved Australia as the host nation of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup,” Hammam said.

“We are of the opinion that Australia will be the right and correct host for 2015, believing all the promises that have been provided by the FFA to AFC will be met in a very short period of time.”

FFA Chairman Frank Lowy said being awarded the 2015 Asian Cup was a show of faith in Australia and a vindication of their decision to join the AFC.

“We are delighted, I am delighted and Australia is delighted that the AFC executive committee has decided to award the hosting of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup to Australia,” Lowy said.

“We will do the best possible job for football, for the AFC and, of course, for Australia.”

“Australian football made a big a change in 2003 and a couple of years later you were kind enough to invite us to join AFC.”

“We were delighted to join then and we hope that this is a testimony to our efforts throughout Asia and that we are trusted to host the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.”