December 18 – The Chinese Football Association (CFA) completes its three day annual conference today in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Although the prospect of the country bidding to host the World Cup was not on the agenda for open sessions, it is believed it was discussed in closed meetings.
CFA president Cai Zhenhua said that 2015 had seen significant success in carrying out the Overall Plan of Chinese Soccer Reform and Development, which is focussed on promoting the game in China.
Where there is disappointment is in the failure of the national team which stands on the brink of elimination from the World Cup qualifier, after drawing twice with Hong Kong of China and losing once to Qatar.
Rumours are strong that head coach Alan Perrin will inevitably be fired, though Cai said that any action will be taken as outlined in Perrin’s contract.
Change was expected on the CFA’s executive committee, with Gao Hongbo, a former manager of the China national football team and Li Ruigang, the CEO of China Media Company both having been nominated.
Cai did highlight some key Chinese successes including Guangzhou Evergrande’s second Asian Champions League title in three years. The Chinese Super League has the highest attendance of any of the Asian leagues.
Cai also said that the number of primary schools and high schools in China which have football as part of their physical education programme has grown from 5,000 to 8,000 and the draft of the long-term plan for China’s football development has completed.
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