WFF 2016: "In Southeast Asia, there is little interest in local clubs" (Mike Pfister, FIFA)

"India and China are considered emerging football powers. What is an emerging power? These are markets with a growing population and rapid economic development. As for football, we see a thriving passion for the sport there, but also a real dichotomy in Southeast Asia. The passion for football is expressed for European football, in general, and especially for the Champions League, but there is little interest in national teams and local clubs. FIFA is working to develop this local interest," said Mike Pfister, senior development officer of FIFA, on 08/07/2016, in the introduction to the second day of the World Football Forum 2016.

This convention took place on 07 and 08/07/2016 in Paris (FRA), around the theme of "The New Geography of Football", which analysed China's impact on world football and its economy, the emergence of India in football, and opportunities in emerging football markets: Russia (host of the 2018 World Cup), Qatar (host of the 2022 World Cup), Southeast Asia and Africa.

"What I see in China and India is an interest that is growing quickly and strongly for…