Friends with money for FIFA

As China tries to emerge as a soccer power, prominent business leaders of the country embrace the sport's governing body

China's soccer boom couldn't have come at a better time for FIFA.

After vocal criticism from top US and European sponsors, FIFA has found new friends - and financial support - in China. Prominent business leaders, eager to participate in President Xi Jinping's national campaign to make China a soccer power, have embraced the sport's governing body, undeterred by the crisis that just last week brought new revelations of corruption and self-dealing.