Reports were out that China is getting ready to submit a proposal to host the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, the region's most prestigious association football championship, as the country also seeks to host the FIFA World Cup in the future.
According to the Manila Bulletin, a high-ranking Chinese sports official disclosed the nation's plan to be a rightful venue to accommodate such world-class sports events and that the "Chinese Football Association is soliciting input for a possible application to host the tournament (Asian Cup)".
Basic requirements for hosting the Asian Football Confederation championship, the second oldest football competition in the world after Copa America, are the following: at least have six cities and eight stadiums to accommodate a total of 51 fixtures in a month-long tournament, must have an international airport, and must have at least 10 five-star hotels within the vicinity of the host stadiums that could accommodate all the participants, including players, coaches, and trainers.
No less than China President Xi Jinping, a well-known football enthusiast, called on the country's football officials to step up in promoting the sport and training the younger generation with the ultimate goal of finally "hosting and winning a World Cup" in the future.
DNA India noted that "Chinese football long suffered from endemic corruption, with a history of match-rigging and bribery, but authorities have sought to clean up the game in recent years".
Just last year, China football clubs have started to spend heavily in recruiting and signing world-class players to join and represent them in domestic and continental competitions, which is also a part of the country's strategy in promoting the sport.
China last hosted the Asian Cup in 2004, when it lost to Japan in the final, 1-3.
The AFC Asian Cup is held every four years with the most previous one in 2015 hosted by Australia. The 2019 edition is set to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates.