With the Chinese national team still struggling to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, a soccer-themed expo is set to bring the prestigious tournament's top trophy to China to view first hand.
Jointly organized by China Times Media Co Ltd and the International Football Development Association, the World Football Exhibition China Tour is due to be held next year, aimed at promoting soccer culture and awareness of the game's history.
Although the organizers have yet to release the date or location of the exhibition, which will feature the FIFA World Cup Trophy on display, they believe it will further ignite passions among Chinese fans of the game.
"The level of the game in a country does not only depend on how much you invest in the elite system but more relies on how much the general public get involved in the game," said Xue Li, former vice-president of the Chinese Football Association and current deputy director of the Sports Culture Development Center of China.
"To inspire grassroots participation and promote the culture of the game among the youth matters a lot for it to develop sustainably. This exhibition will provide just the right platform at the right time to do so."
In addition to the trophy and information on its history and manufacturing process, will be exhibits introducing training equipment, player development systems and the histories of various top European clubs such as Italian Serie A giant AC Milan.
FIFA representative Massimo Busacca, who is head of the governing body's Refereeing Development section, said the exhibits will offer Chinese fans a close-up look at the game's top echelons.
"It will help build a bridge connecting the fans in China with the game's central stage and thus inspire them to participate and enjoy the game," he said.
Demetrio Albertini, a former star midfielder for AC Milan and the current vice-president of the Italian Football Federation, echoed Busacca's sentiments, saying that events like the exhibition will contribute to China realizing its soccer dream.
"It offers an opportunity for experience and expertise exchange, for Chinese soccer to communicate with the world," he said.
"Second, it helps introduce advanced soccer management and development philosophies to China. With more events like this being held, I believe Chinese soccer could join the world's best in the future."
