The AFC Asian Cup began to use mascots for the first time in 2000 when Nour, a sparrow, was used for the 2000 AFC Asian Cup in Lebanon. Before 2000, the tournament did not feature mascots due to differences in regions and cultures affecting on the decision of several host nations in the continent, as well as a lack of interest. Since then, with the exception of 2007 edition, every Asian Cup has featured one or more mascots for the tournament. The mascot for the Asian Cup is also very diverse, based on cultural heritage of the host country.