China's dream of becoming a football superpower lies in tatters

China, the most populous country in the world, is facing a significant crisis in its football ambitions. Currently, the Chinese men's national football team is ranked 90th in the FIFA world rankings, just ahead of smaller nations like Curaçao and Luxembourg. The situation reached a new low when the team suffered a humiliating 7-0 defeat against Japan in a World Cup qualifier. This match took place on a hot and humid Thursday night in Saitama, where the Chinese players were left demoralized as they watched Japan score goal after goal. The final blow came when Takefusa Kubo, a talented Japanese player, scored the seventh goal, marking one of the worst defeats in Chinese football history. This loss was not an isolated incident; it followed a series of disappointing performances, including defeats to Oman, Uzbekistan, and Hong Kong. To make matters worse, shortly after the Japan match, numerous players, coaches, and officials were arrested for their involvement in gambling, match-fixing, and bribery, as part of a two-year investigation into corruption within the domestic football scene. The defeats continued, with Australia beating China 2-0 in Hangzhou, leaving the team at the bottom of their World Cup qualifying group. Not long ago, China had high hopes of becoming a football superpower. With the largest population in the world, a booming economy, and a government led by President Xi Jinping, who is an enthusiastic football fan, the country seemed poised for success. Xi had three main goals for Chinese football: to qualify for the World Cup, to host it, and ultimately, to win it. However, a decade later, even Xi appears to have lost faith in these ambitions. During a recent conversation with Thailand's prime minister, he remarked that China had 'got lucky' in a recent victory against Thailand, indicating a lack of confidence in the team's performance. Experts believe that the government's tight control over football is a significant barrier to success. A key report from 2015 highlighted the need for the Chinese Football Association (CFA) to operate independently from the General Administration of Sport (GAS). However, the government has not relinquished control, which has hindered the growth of football in the country. Mark Dreyer, a sports writer based in Beijing, points out that the Communist Party's involvement in football decisions has led to poor outcomes. The current president of the CFA, Song Cai, is also a Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party, which means that decisions are often made by individuals who lack a deep understanding of the sport. For football to thrive, it needs to be grassroots-led, with a strong foundation of youth participation. Unfortunately, the number of children playing football in China is alarmingly low. While England boasts over 1. 3 million registered players, China has fewer than 100,000, despite having a population that is 20 times larger. This lack of youth engagement is a critical issue, as children in China do not grow up playing football. In contrast, successful football nations have developed their talent organically over the years, creating a robust system of leagues and clubs. In China, the push for professional football only began in the 1990s, when the first professional league was established. This league focused on a few elite clubs in major cities, neglecting the grassroots level that is essential for nurturing talent. The top-down approach of the government has led to a short-term mindset, prioritizing immediate results over long-term development. Some foreign players who have played in China have noted that while Chinese players possess technical skills, they often lack the 'football IQ' that comes from years of playing the game. Creativity and instinctive decision-making are crucial in football, and these qualities are not being developed in young players. Despite the challenges facing the men's team, there is still a deep love for football in China. The women's national team, currently ranked 17th in the world, has been a source of pride for the country. In 2023, a record 53 million viewers tuned in to watch them compete against England in the World Cup, even though they lost 6-1. The men's Super League once enjoyed the highest average attendance of any league in Asia, attracting big-name foreign players during its peak in the 2010s. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturn have led to the closure of over 40 professional clubs, as state-backed companies withdrew their investments. The Jiangsu FC club, which won the Super League in 2020, ceased operations shortly after, highlighting the instability in the league. Another prominent team, Guangzhou Evergrande, once celebrated as China's most successful club, is now struggling with massive debts. The club's financial troubles stem from its parent company, Evergrande Group, which is facing a crisis in the real estate market. Corruption has also plagued Chinese football, with former national team coach Li Tie admitting to fixing matches and paying bribes to secure his position. His shocking confession, made in a documentary, revealed the extent of corruption within the sport. Fans have expressed their heartbreak over the state of football in China, feeling let down by officials who have made poor decisions. While other sports in China have flourished, football continues to struggle. The country has invested heavily in sports infrastructure and training, leading to success in individual sports like swimming and weightlifting. However, football requires a community-driven approach to thrive, which is currently lacking. The recent loss to Japan serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Chinese football. Fans are disappointed but still hold onto hope for a brighter future for their national team.