Kuala Lumpur, Aug 16 (IANS): Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa Friday backed Qatar to host a successful FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Shaikh Salman, a member of the Bahrain royal family, said Qatar would "make Asia proud" with the tournament, despite ongoing concerns over playing it in summer.

"The AFC is confident that Qatar will host a magnificent World Cup, under the guidance of FIFA, and with it only being the second time that Asia plays host to a FIFA World Cup," Shaikh Salman said in a statement.

"We are sure that Qatar will make Asia proud," he added.

The newly appointed AFC president added that he is confident FIFA will make the best decision for all and that the AFC will be ready to support its members in any way possible leading into this historical event.

Shaikh Salman also added that he is certain in 2022 the Asian teams will be legitimate contenders for the championship.

"Based on the performance and achievements of Asian nations in all FIFA competitions and the recent Olympics in both the male and female categories show that we are now world beaters and worthy contenders for any competition; and why not winning it in 2022 in Asia," he said.