Australia to host 2015 AFC Asian Cup

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

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

“Considering the efforts of the Football Federation Australia in developing the game on their territory and considering also all the achievements that have been made towards the development of football in Australia and to encourage Australia to take steps towards developing the game, 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,” said the AFC President.

“My congratulations to all Australian football fans and to the FFA and its chairman, Frank Lowy for winning the trust of AFC. 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 the awarding of the hosting rights to Australia vindicated the nation’s decision to join the AFC at the start of 2006 and that holding the tournament would play a key role in developing the sport across the continent.

“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,” he 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.

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