The Chinese Football Association (CFA, for its acronym in English) submitted an application to be approved by the Ministry of Sport in order to proceed later to pursue a formal bid to host the 2026 World Cup, has said President of the CFA, Wei Di.
"We are very impressed by the great benefits that the World Cup has brought to South Africa," the manager said the Beijing Youth Daily, while adding: "In South Africa, I watched a World Cup could unite a country and improve their football .
Wei had warned that China would not lodge an application in the future because of the low-level football, but the World Cup experience made him change his mind.
"There has been much debate over whether China should host a World Cup (...) After the tournament in South Africa, I have to admit that China has no reason not to have a World Cup. Now is the time "he said.
The arguments of the manager are in terms of stadiums, services and organizational skills. As an example quoted the Beijing Olympic Games 2008. Significantly, the Chinese team failed to qualify for the World Cup and is now the number 78 in the FIFA world rankings.