The Asian Football Confederation says the next Asian Cup will be held one year early -- in 2007 -- so the competition doesn't clash with other major sports events, including the Olympics. The confederation's general secretary, Peter Velappan, says this will ensure that the media will focus entirely on the Asian Cup. Velappan said the Asian Cup, the premier soccer competition in Asia, will revert to its four-year cycle after 2007. This summer's tournament will be hosted by China. Stadiums at Chongqing, Beijing, Chengdu and Jinan have either been constructed or upgraded and are ready for this year's matches, which kick off on July 17. This year's competition will feature the largest-ever number of teams, 16, since the first in Asian Cup was held 1956. The AFC will also celebrate its 50th anniversary during the 2004 competition. 转自搜狐
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