Australia has moved a step closer to securing the rights to host the 2015 Asian Cup finals after formally lodging its bid.

Football Federation of Australia chairman Frank Lowy on Thursday delivered Australia’s bid book to Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed Bin Hammam at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.

Australia appears certain to host the event as it is bidding unopposed for the 16th edition of the tournament.

“It has been a win-win situation for the AFC and FFA since Australia joined the AFC in 2006,” Bin Hammam said.

“Now we are all reaping the benefits of this association.

“I assure them that their bid will have my recommendation when it goes before the AFC Executive Committee.”

The AFC Executive Committee is expected to make a decision on the hosting rights at its meeting next January on the sidelines of the Asian Cup in Qatar.

Australia are grouped with the Korea Republic, India and Bahrain for the tournament.

While Bin Hamman’s support is assured for the Asian Cup bid, the AFC President said on Wednesday he would vote for Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup, in a blow to Australia’s chances.

“We at the FFA are dedicated, honoured and privileged to make AFC Asian Cup bigger, better and more successful than the previous editions,” Lowy said.

“It’s my honour to present the Bid book and I can tell you that Australia is excited to host this event at all levels, sporting, government and the general public.

“FFA has undergone an exhaustive and highly detailed planning process, the results of which is included in a comprehensive Bid Book document containing some 350 pages of information about how Asia’s largest sporting event would be conducted across Australia.

“Australia has a long history of hosting fantastic sporting events and the benefits for Australia to host an event of this kind will not only leave a strong legacy for football in Australia, but also cement Australia’s place in the Asian economic community.”

© AAP 2012

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