Trio bid to host 2011 Asian Cup

MELBOURNE, Feb 15 (Reuters) India, Iran and Qatar have applied to host the 2011 Asian Cup, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said.

The three countries submitted formal applications ahead of the Feb 9 deadline set by the AFC with candidate nations restricted to West Asia or Central and South Asia under the ruling body's rotation policy.

The candidates must now confirm their bids in writing by April 1 with all bid documentation to be received by the AFC by June 21.

The final decision will be made on June 28, the day before the final of this year's Cup in Jakarta.

The 2007 tournament is being co-hosted by Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.

REUTERS PDS KP1742