The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that the Asian Football Confederation is keen to explore the prospect of Australia hosting the Asian Cup - as soon as 2011.

Originally, the AFC had stated that only west or south Asian nations would be eligible to host the tournament but it is believed some within the AFC are now keen to elevate its overall status and level of interest.

There is a growing momentum within AFC ranks that see the benefits of an Australia-hosted tournament; the end result being increased exposure to countries outside Asia.

Previously, Australia has had success hosting football tournaments and has expressed in interest in hosting the World Cup.