Australia on show for 2015 AFC Asian Cup bid

A delegation from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) arrives in Australia today for an inspection tour of facilities and infrastructure for Australia's bid for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

A delegation from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) arrives in Australia today for an inspection tour of facilities and infrastructure for Australia's bid for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

The delegation will visit key stadiums, training sites and hotels around the country as part of a week long inspection tour.

The AFC Asian Cup is the pre-eminent national team tournament played in the Asian region. The tournament was first played in 1956, and has never been hosted by Australia which only joined the Asian Football Confederation in 2006.

"We welcome the AFC Asian Cup bid delegation to Australia," said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.

"This is our opportunity to show the bid delegation what we have to offer as a sporting nation and further position Australia as a potential host for significant football tournaments. The inspection provides a chance for delegates to visit potential host cities, prior to the submission of our bid book next February .

The delegation will attend a Hyundai A-League match in Round 6, during their time in Australia.

A decision on the hosts for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup is anticipated in November this year.

Australia is also bidding for the right to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup with a decision to be made on the successful bidders for both tournaments in December 2010.