FIFA: Chinese Wanda Group, now a partner, says it is better placed for the awarding of the World Cup

"As a partner of FIFA, Wanda will be better placed to play a role in the bidding process to host major football events such as the World Cup, closing the gap on international football and enabling Chinese football to have a say in international football," said the Chinese conglomerate (tourism, hotels, entertainment) in a statement published by the US agency Associated Press, 21/03/2016.

Wanda Group became a FIFA Partner, the highest partner level in the sponsorship structure of the international federation, for a period of 14 years (through the 2030 World Cup), on 18/03/2016. Wanda is the first Chinese partner in the history of FIFA. The amount the partnership has not been revealed, but it would be one of the most important in the history of FIFA, according to the BBC, on 18/03/2016. "A very, very important contract," stated Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, on 18/03/2016.

• China is often cited as potential candidates for the organisation of the World Cup in 2030.
  • As the 2022 World Cup will take place within the Asian Confederation (Qatar), no Asian country can submit an…