China to host 2004 Asian Cup

China to host 2004 Asian Cup

BEIRUT (Reuters): China will host the 2004 Asian Cup, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) decided on Friday.

Ten AFC members voted for China while six backed Thailand. Iran, the third contender, withdrew its bid shortly before the vote.

The AFC's competition committee decided earlier this week to increase the number of participants from 12 to 16 in 2004.

It also increased the number of teams in the junior and youth championships from 10 to 12.