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FIFA chief: China a good World Cup host
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-08-10 08:43

Sepp Blatter, president of soccer's world governing body FIFA, said in Athens on Monday he has full confidence that Chinese football will get better and the world's most populous country will be a good future World Cup host.


Sepp Blatter, president of soccer's world governing body FIFA, answers questions at a press conference in Athens, August 9, 2004. [Xinhua]

"I attended the opening of the Asian Cup and to speak specifically, I cannot compliment more the organizing of the Asian Cup of China and what they have achieved," he said.

Blatter failed to mention that Chinese football officials were booed and jeered by the fans in his presence.

He said that after watching the Asian premier competition, FIFA has full confidence in the development of Chinese football.

"China has 1.4 billion people and they have professional football, Cup competitions and they will also host the Women's World Cup, we have confidence in Chinese football," Blatter said.

As for the violence after the Asian Cup final between China and Japan, Blatter said it's understandable.

"Those are human errors," he said. "That's part of football."

The Swiss added that time permitting, China will be a good World Cup host in the future.

"After hosting the 2008 Olympic Games, I am sure China will be a good World Cup host," he said.

"But since FIFA has ruled in 2002 that the World Cup will be rotated in the six continents, it takes time for China to stage the World Cup."



 
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