The Sunday media contained speculation that Qatar was reconsidering over its desire to host the 2011 event and that Australia was primed to step in following an emergency meeting with the AFC this week.

Not so according to the Gulf state, one of the Socceroos’ World Cup group opponents.

Saud Al Mohannadi, secretary-general of the Qatar Football Association told the Reuters newsagency: “Everything is going to plan, we have no problems and we want to make this tournament a great success.

“We are ahead of schedule, we are ready, we have the stadiums, the budget -- we could host the Asian Cup next month.”

But Al Mohannadi insisted Tuesday’s meeting with the AFC was a scheduled get-together to discuss their preparations.

He said the state was keen to host the most successful Asian Cup yet and strengthen Qatar’s bid for the 2016 Olympics

“We have a good relationship with the Australian football association, but they should speak to us before saying they will bid for the tournament.

“We are not withdrawing, we are the ones who wanted to get things moving early.”