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Qatar’s soccer federation today rejected speculation that the Gulf state was considering withdrawing as host of the 2011 Asian Cup.
“Everything is going to plan, we have no problems and we want to make this tournament a great success,” said Saud Al Mohannadi, secretary-general of the Qatar Football Association.
“We are ahead of schedule, we are ready, we have the stadiums, the budget – we could host the Asian Cup next month.”
Australia’s Sun Herald newspaper reported on Sunday that Qatar, the sole bidder for the 2011 Asian Cup, was having second thoughts about hosting the tournament and had called an urgent meeting with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to discuss the issue.
The report quoted Australian soccer’s chief executive Ben Buckley as saying it was an “exciting opportunity” and Australia were willing to step in as hosts.
But Al Mohannadi insisted Tuesday’s meeting with the AFC was a scheduled get-together to discuss their preparations.
He said the oil and gas rich state was keen to host the most successful Asian Cup yet and strengthen Qatar’s bid for the 2016 Olympics.
“We have a good relationship with the Australian football association, but they should speak to us before saying they will bid for the tournament,” he said.
“We are not withdrawing, we are the ones who wanted to get things moving early.”
Australia played in Asia for the first time last year after switching confederations from Oceania in search of a higher standard of soccer.
Australia has said it is considering bidding for the 2018 World Cup and is also reportedly interested in staging FIFA’s Club World Cup in the near future.
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