India won't host 2011 Asian Cup soccer

New Delhi: India have withdrawn from the race to stage the 2011 Asian Cup soccer tournament because they would not be able to meet the huge infrastructure requirements, a senior federation official said on Thursday.

"We are not making a formal bid," All India Football Federation (AIFF) secretary Albert Colaco said.

Qatar on Tuesday submitted their bid to stage the competition ahead of the Thursday deadline. Qatar are expected to be joined by three-times champions Iran, who hosted the tournament in 1968 and 1976.

"We tried to see if it would be possible," Colaco said. "We need two international standard stadiums in each of the cities where matches will be played. It is very tough."