CFA Chief: China willing to host 2018 World Cup
Updated: 2007-09-30 07:48
SHANGHAI -- China has shown its will to host the 2018 World Cup as Xie Yalong, Chinese Football Association's (CFA) vice president made a positive statement on the FIFA press conference in Shanghai on Saturday, one day before the final match of the Women's World Cup 2007.
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It's the first time that a senior official from the CFA made it clear on such an important occasion.
"We've noticed that FIFA president Mr Blatter's compliment to China's organizing ability and we highly appreciate that," said Xie.
"The CFA has been keeping a positive attitude for hosting the Men's World Cup. We're now trying to study some details with FIFA with regards to the bidding process, and are making strong efforts to create good conditions to set a strong base for the bidding."
"We are considering to hold a major men's competition at a higher level after the Women's World Cup. And we've held talks to officials from different cities on the bidding issue, seeking cooperation from them and will make some viable research and plan, and then submit these to higher officials for examination and approval."
"The bidding process for 2018 will start in 2010, so we have enough time to get well-prepared for that."
But the FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter, who also presented at the conference had a rather calm view before China's ardor.
"The FIFA executive committee meeting will not decide whether the hosting rights of the 2014 World Cup go to Brazil or not until October 31," said Blatter.
He clarified that the executive committee will also decide whether to continue the current rotation system among different continents for the bidding of the 2018 tournament on the meeting.
According to the rotation system, the 2018 World Cup will transfer to Oceania. And the most possible candidate Australia of the continent have joined the Asian Football Confederation, which creates some chance for China.
The FIFA head also sang high praise for China's ability to hold world biggest sports events, he said: "China have the ability to hold the World Cup, China have all the technical, fundamental facilities."
"The Women's World Cup has proved China's ability. Next year they will hold the Olympics, which have 28 events. And that will further prove their ability."
After putting a little bit frustration on the Chinese enthusiasm, Blatter suggested that China bid for the World Cup, "Definitely it will be a good candidate."
Blatter expressed his satisfaction with the organization of the Women's World Cup 2007.
"I'm satisfied with the level of techniques, the quality of the matches, and the spirit of fair play. The 40,000 (attendance) on average is a tremendous success. In broadcast there are more than 200 televisions and radio stations to cover the tournament, it's really a big, big success."
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