China is a major emerging power economically and politically, perhaps destined to be the leading power in the world according to some analysts, although its per capita income is well below that of developed countries. Many people still live in relative poverty, despite the growth of the urban middle class.
China is a major emerging power economically and politically, perhaps destined to be the leading power in the world according to some analysts, although its per capita income is well below that of developed countries. Many people still live in relative poverty, despite the growth of the urban middle class.
Nothing significant happens in China without the knowledge and often active encouragement of the political authorities. Chinese football clubs are spending way beyond their means, given that attendances are often relatively low. This report argues that the Chinese leadership might like to follow up the Olympics by hosting the World Cup.
There would be a number of obstacles in the way of such a project, not least concerns about China’s human rights record. From a purely footballing point of view, when I visited China some years ago, two things impressed me. First, the sophistication of the coverage of the Premiership on television. Second, the relatively backward state of the national team training facilities I saw.
Of course, things can move quickly in China and if the authorities set their mind to achieve something, they often can.