Qatar to host 2011 Asian Cup

The Gulf nation were the only country to bid for hosting the Asian Cup after Iran and India pulled out before the May deadline.

"I think it will be a great tournament," AFC Qatari president Mohamed Bin Hammam told a press conference.

"The Asian Cup from now on will be different from what we've seen in the past, in terms of organization, in terms of popularity and in terms of standard. This is my promise to you."

Qatar have hosted the Asian Cup just once in 1988.

This year's tournament is co-hosted by Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.