China's national soccer team has not been faring well, pushing the government to pass the soccer reform plan. (Photo : Reuters)
President Xi Jinping's passionate love of the soccer form of football is no secret, and China has taken a further step on the road to fulfilling one of the leader's grand aspirations: to not only host the sport's paragon event, but for the national team to stand on the winner's podium.
Friday's new "football reform plan" was given the seal of approval by President Xi while he was participating in a committee that has traditionally tackled issues in the economic arena, rather than on the sporting field.
The Chinese leader's past statements on football in China have mentioned "three wishes": another World Cup qualification after the national side made its sole appearance in 2002, when the finals were jointly hosted by Asian neighbors, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan; to become the host nation for a World Cup finals event; and for China to victoriously hold up the World Cup trophy.
However, China's sporting realm, including that which is occupied by soccer, has fallen prey to corruption and his fervent anti-graft campaign might actually originate from his great love for the ancient game.
The official statement that was released after the committee meeting stated that China "must develop and revitalize soccer to ensure we are a strong nation of sports."
The nation's "defective system" was identified as an impediment to the rejuvenation process, while "institutional guarantees" were cited as a tool that can foster the sport's development.
According to the committee, Xi's soccer dreams are mirrored in the "ardent wish of the whole nation" to see China elevated in the world game's ranks.
