It is Australia's honor to host 2015 Asian Cup: Federal Football chief
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Australian Federal Football Australia (FFA) on Wednesday said it is the nation's honor to host Asian Cup in 2015.
Australia's uncontested bid to host the 2015 Asian Cup was approved by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Doha of Qatar on Wednesday.
Australia Associated Press (AAP) reported that Football Federation Australia (FFA) was the sole bidder for the event, but still had to adhere to the formal bidding process by making its final presentation to the AFC's executive committee.
The the bid on Wednesday earned unanimous support to ensure Australia will host its first major international tournament since joining the Asian confederation in 2006.
FFA chief executive Ben Buckley welcomed the decision and described the event as Asia's most significant sporting event.
"It's a great outcome and it strengthens our relationship with Asia given we're the newest country in the confederation," Buckley told AAP on Wednesday.
"It's a wonderful event that will bring benefits to football in this country.
"In terms of exposure in Asia it's an extraordinarily large television audience, we expect a significant number of international visitors and importantly it promotes Australian football both domestically and internationally."
Buckley said preparation would effectively begin immediately with an FFA team to join in the running of the 2011 event, which kicks off in Qatar on Saturday morning.
The tournament in Australia is planned for January 2015, and will feature the 16 top teams in Asia with matches to be played at four or five selected venues.
FFA said a number of ancillary events would also be conducted including the preliminary draw, final draw, opening and closing ceremonies and team workshops.
Earlier, Australia has failed in its bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
