Australia to host 2015 AFC Asian Cup

Australia has been confirmed as the nation to host the 2015 AFC Asian Cup finals after a meeting of the Asian Football Confederation’s Executive Committee in Doha on Wednesday, the official website of the Asian Football Confederation reports.

AFC president Mohamed Bin Hammam made the announcement following the meeting of the Executive Committee, who saw a final presentation by the Football Federation of Australia before deciding to approve the nation’s bid to host the 16th round of the continental championship.

Hammam said the appointment was an honor to efforts made by the Football Federation of Australia in developing football in Australia and would “encourage Australia to take steps towards developing the game.”

“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,” Hammam said.

FFA chairman Frank Lowy said the awarding of the hosting rights to Australia vindicated the nation’s decision to join the AFC at the start of 2006 and holding the tournament would play a key role in developing the sport across the continent.

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

“Australian football made a big a change in 2003 and a couple of years later you were kind enough to invite us to join the AFC. We were delighted to join then and we hope this is a testimony to our efforts throughout Asia and that we are trusted to host the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

“The people of Australia, the government of Australia and the FFA are ready, willing and able to fulfill this privilege and obligation to ensure football progresses throughout Asia through this,” he said.