Mboma backs Japan 2022 World Cup bid

By Andrew Warshaw

September 14 – Patrick Mboma is the latest footballer to be unveiled by Japan as a World Cup ambassador as the country strives to make up ground in the bid to stage the 2022 tournament.

The Cameroon international has played for a range of clubs including three J-League teams as well as Paris St. Germain, Cagliari and Parma.

Overall Mboma, who played for Cameroon in both for 1998 and 2002 World Cups, appeared in 79 J-League games notching up 48 goals.

The timing of Mboma’s appointment is odd given that there are less than three months to go before the vote.

Japan, not among the favourites for 2022, is clearly leaving no stone unturned garnering as much support as possible for the run-in.

“Bid ambassadors explain the significance of Japan’s bid to the domestic and international audience,” a statement said.

“They play a crucial role communicating Japan’s standpoint to FIFA, the football confederations, the global media.

“The Bid Committee is currently approaching players, coaches and other members of the football family.”

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