China has kicked off its bid to become a global footballing powerhouse, unveiling ambitious plans to build tens of thousands of pitches, a "tenacious" national team able to "win glories for the nation" and even to host a World Cup.
The road map, published by Beijing's cabinet-like State Council, offered a glimpse of the Communist Party's vision for a beautiful game with Chinese characteristics.
Fifty thousand Chinese schools will offer football training by 2025, up from 5,000 at the moment. Two major training centres will be built. And as coaches fight to transform China's perennially underperforming national team into a world-class side, the country will also bid to host a World Cup.
"We must develop and revitalise football to ensure we are a strong nation of sports," a statement from the special committee created to revamp Chinese football said last week ahead of the plan's launch.
Xi Jinping, the Communist Party's leader since late 2012, has established himself as one of the most dominant Chinese leaders in decades. Full story...
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