GENEVA (AP) — Asia’s soccer body halted bidding to host its men’s Asian Cup in 2031 and 2035, telling member federations on Thursday it was asked by FIFA to move the tournament to even-numbered years.

By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE, March 20 (Reuters) - Record crowds at the Asian Cup have been hailed by organisers as a watershed for the women's game but the tournament has thrown up familiar concerns of gender inequality and a stubborn divide between the continent's rich and emerging nations.

Malaysia's Asian Cup dream is over after their wins over Nepal and Vietnam were overturned by the AFC for the fielding of ineligible players.

Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord celebrate after beating China in the semi-finals James Worsfold/ Optus Stadium was quiet and Australia were on the back foot. They had been for some time. Pegged back to 1-1 in their Asian Cup semi-final against defending champions China in Perth and struggling to escape their own half,

Myong Yu Jong completed a first-half hat trick to set North Korea on course for a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan in its first Women’s Asian Cup appearance since 2010 on Tuesday. Defending champion China followed up by beating tournament debutant Bangladesh 2-0.

Australia coach Joe Montemurro will demand bravery from his players and hope for more Sam Kerr magic when ​the Matildas take on strong favourites and familiar foes Japan in the Women's Asian Cup final in Sydney ‌on Saturday.

Irfan Fandi will return for Singapore as they look to finish their Asian Cup qualifying campaign on a high against Bangladesh.