FFA CEO John O'Neill and AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam at the press conference on Friday. AFC photo by Tom Miletic

ADELAIDE: AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam has for the time being ruled out an out-of-turn bid by any country for the AFC Asian Cup saying that the current rotation system would be followed.

Speaking at a press conference here on the sidelines of the AFC Women's Asian Cup, Bin Hammam did however confirm that internal discussions are taking place regarding the future hosting of AFC competitions.

Earlier, Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chief Executive Office John O'Neill expressed Australia's desire to hold the AFC Asian Cup in the future. "We would like to host the AFC Asian Cup in Australia. To host a tournament like the AFC Asian Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said O'Neill. "We are confident of doing a good job."

When asked about Australia's intended bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018, Bin Hammam said: "We will strongly support bids from Asian countries. There might be more than two bids."

Bin Hammam expressed his delight at the successful organisation of the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Adelaide. "Usually women's competitions are held in summer in hot and humid conditions. This is the first time we are holding it in such cold conditions," joked Bin Hammam.

"This is the first competition in Australia since they joined the Asian family and we (the AFC) are benefiting a lot from their inclusion."

About the DPR Korea incident, the AFC President said the errant players would be punished. "Only a few players were involved and they will be punished. They (DPR Korea) were playing well. I hope it won't happen again."

"The competition was clean (before this incident) with just 13 cautions. The DPR Korea incident will be referred to the AFC Disciplinary Committee."

Bin Hammam assured that the Australia-Lebanon AFC Asian Cup 2007 qualifier will take place. "We are communicating with the Lebanese FA. These matches will not be postponed, but the safety and security of the teams is of paramount concern." he said.

The AFC President will stay in Adelaide to watch the 3rd/4th place play-off and final on Sunday 30th July 2006.