The Gulf state was the only country to present a formal proposal to host the Asian Cup, although they still had to satisfy the AFC of their ability to stage the tournament before being confirmed as hosts. India and Iran had originally indicated they would bid but they gave up before the final deadline in May.

Due to the AFC's rotation policy, the only countries allowed to participate were those from West Asia but the AFC said it would have changed the bidding process in case Qatar's proposal had failed to meet the required standards. “I think it will be a great tournament,” AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam, who is from Qatar, said.

“The Asian Cup from now on will be different from what we've seen in the past, in terms of organization, in terms of popularity and in terms of standard. This is my promise to you.” Qatar hosted the Asian Cup in 1988 and, together with Iran, they are the only countries to stage the event in more than one occasion.
Bin Hammam said the final details of the 2011 event were still being finished but it would probably be held in January.

The event will probably conflict with some national leagues, such as the English Premier League, but Bin Hammam said he was confident all the teams would have their best players available because January was one of two windows provided by soccer's world governing body FIFA for continental championships. “The other window is July but that is the hot season in Qatar so it cannot be held at that time of the year,” he said.