Monday, January 24, 2011

Asian Cup good World Cup test, says AFC chief

STAFF WRITER 15:7 HRS IST

Doha, Jan 24 (AFP) Asian football chief Mohamed Bin Hammam has praised Qatar's hosting of the Asian Cup, calling it the perfect rehearsal for the World Cup in 2022.

Bin Hammam, himself a Qatari, who was instrumental in helping bring the World Cup to his homeland, also hailed the quality of football on show at the continental showpiece.

"It's been an extremely well organised event by Qatar," said the Asian Football Confederation president, who has not ruled out running against FIFA boss Sepp Blatter when he stands for re-election in May.

"Although it is 12 years (sic) between now and 2022, it was a very good rehearsal for that competition."

The tiny but wealthy country has thrown plenty of money at the Asian Cup -- the stadiums are shiny and modern, the organisation is excellent, facilities are top-notch and communications work flawlessly.

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