China admits: We don't want Asia to win 2022 World Cup bid

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

July 19 – Mohamed Bin Hammam, the President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), will told talks with Chinese Vice-Sports Minister Cui Dalin in Beijing tomorrow with the prospect of a bid from China for the 2026 World Cup set to be top of the agenda.

The announcement last week by Wei Di, general secretary of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), who said that now is the “best time” for the country to launch a bid for the World Cup could affect the race for the 2022 World Cup, where there are four countries from the AFC who have put themselves forward.

Under FIFA’s rotation policy the same continent cannot hold consecutive World Cup tournaments and some have speculated that China’s announcement will play into the hands of the United States, the only non-Asian bidder for 2022 providing, if as is expected, the 2018 tournament is awarded to Europe.

Wei has already caused resentment in Australia, Japan, Qatar and South Korea by saying that he hopes none of them will win their bid for 2022 and “foil China’s chances”.

Wei said: ”To be honest, I don’t want Asian countries to win the bid for the 2022 World Cup as it would be impossible for Asia to host two World Cups in a row.

“South Korea and Japan have already held the World Cup.

“Qatar is too hot and the population is small, how could there be enough spectators?

“Australia is also an Asian country in terms of soccer.

“I hope the US will win the bid so we’ll have a better chance.

After the success of the Beijing Olympic Games, China reportedly considered bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Sepp Blatter, the FIFA President, also expressed support.

But the country did not apply to host the event.

Wei said: “At the World Cup final, I noticed a group of Chinese fans holding our national flag.

“A number of people also held a banner which read, ‘China, see you in 2014’.

“I had mixed feelings then.

“We have so many fans that are crazy for the sport and they care for our national team so much, we should give them a chance to watch the World Cup on home soil.

“Hosting the World Cup was not only about development or the tournament’s commercial value to soccer, it also helped unite South Africa as a nation.

“With China’s status and influence in the international community, and with our infrastructure – which is no worse than South Africa’s, how could we not be confident enough to bid for the World Cup?”

China now boasts four stadiums with a capacity of more than 60,000, including the Bird’s Nest, which was the centrepiece of the Olympics.

Wei said: ”I know some people are still against the proposal as the sport in China is still struggling.

“But there are 16 years to go before 2026 and things can change a lot during that time.

“Why can’t we be more optimistic?”

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