Qatar to host 2011 Asian Cup

The Gulf state, which also hosted the event in 1988, was the only bidder.

 The competition will likely take place in January instead of July 2011 to avoid hot temperatures in the region. But the date could lead to conflicts around players who are engaged in European leagues which are in the middle of their seasons at the time.

 The 2007 edition was played in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, with the final between Iraq and Saudi Arabia set for later Sunday in Jakarta.

DPA