As the World Cup trophy arrived in China this week on a global
exhibition circuit, sentiment is high in the country for the
economic and sports power to bid for the 2018 World Cup.
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A report from Sports Sina, China's leading online sports media, has
confirmed the country's resolution to bid for the 2018 World Cup,
citing sources inside the CFA (Chinese Football Association).
"This is China's maiden involvement in bidding for the World
Cup, and the CFA is making active preparations," read the report,
adding, "China is very likely to win out in the competition if all
factors are taken into consideration."
The report drew wide attention in a nation that craves for
football success despite a long list of flops in international
tournaments.
"China's decision to bid comes from three aspects: support from
FIFA chairman Sepp Blatter; support from China's top sports
administration; and the experience the country will gain after the
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games," the report continued.
However, a contradictory report appeared the same day on the
same site, cooling off the flaring-up sentiment by citing a top CFA
official.
"I have yet to hear of this (bidding for the tournament). The
decision to bid for the World Cup is not something someone inside
FA could make," said Nan Yong, vice president of the CFA.
"It is up to China's sports administration or even higher up in
the government."
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has thrown his support behind China
hosting the soccer World Cup after the country successfully hosted
the Asian Cup in 2004.
But Blatter added: "Since FIFA has ruled in 2002 that the World
Cup will be rotated among the six continents, it will be a while
before China could stage the World Cup."
FIFA officials have suggested that China's growth as an economic
super power makes the country a firm favorite to stage the next
World Cup to be held in Asia, probably in 2018.
(China Daily March 16, 2006)