<!--Article Start--> <h2 style="text-align: justify"><strong> . <em>The United Arab Emirates were rubber-stamped as hosts for the expanded Asian Cup in 2019 after signing an official agreement with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).</em></strong></h2> <p style="text-align: justify">The UAE previously held the event in 1996 but they will be the first to host 24 teams, up from the 16 who competed in Australia in January.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">The change was made "in order to give teams from AFCa s Member Associations more international exposure and matches, and to help them develop football in their country", an AFC statement said on Friday.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">The desert state was unveiled in March as the next destination for the Asian Cup, and is now confirmed after Thursday's signing of an Organising Association Agreement.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Oil-rich UAE has a tough act to follow after this year's tournament in Australia set new attendance records and was widely viewed on TV and social media.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">The UAE were one of the most exciting teams in the competition and they finished third after wins against holders Japan and 2007 champions Iraq.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">The 2019 edition will take place just three years before Gulf neighbours Qatar are due to host the World Cup in 2022.</p> <strong>By AFP</strong> <p style="text-align: justify"></p>