The Asian Football Confederation has asked Australia to beef up security for next month's Asian Cup in the wake of the deadly hostage siege in Sydney. Asia's biggest football tournament will be held for the first time in Australia from January 9th to 31st and AFC officials are worried about safety plans following the 16 hour siege at a Martin Place cafe in Sydney that left two hostages and their captor dead. Alex Soosay, the General Secretary of the AFC, said he contacted Australia's organizing committee yesterday, asking for increased protection. Australia has been on high alert for attacks by homegrown militants returning from fighting in the Middle East.