Qatar confirmed as host for 2011 Asian Cup

Jakarta: Qatar has been confirmed as the host nation for the 2011 Asian Cup, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on Sunday.

The Gulf state was the only country to submit a formal bid to host the event but had to satisfy the AFC of their ability to stage the tournament before being confirmed as hosts. India and Iran had pulled out of the running.

The tournament will be held in January with the only other FIFA window available, in July and August, considered too hot in the Gulf region.