Why China's football ambitions failed: Corruption and top-down approach derailed Xi Jinping's masterplan
By
The Economist
Summary
The article discusses China's persistent failure in football despite President Xi Jinping's ambitious masterplan to make the country a football powerhouse. The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams in 2026 gave Asia more qualifying slots, yet China still failed to qualify. The author argues that corruption and a top-down philosophical approach derailed Xi's plans, highlighting systemic issues in Chinese football development.
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bskyWhy China's football ambitions failed: Corruption and top-down approach derailed Xi Jinping's masterplanecon.stKey quotes
· 3 pulledAnother World Cup without the Dragons
Xi Jinping's masterplan was derailed by corruption and a top-down philosophy
With close to double the number of berths on offer for Asian teams in 2026, surely Chi...
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