Song Kai had the first face-to-face communication with the president of the AFC, and the other party expressed his willingness to support the Football Association to revitalize Chinese football
On the evening of October 30, local time, Song Kai, chairman of the Chinese Football Association, who had just arrived in Doha, Qatar, met with AFC President Salman, who also came to participate in the 2022 AFC Awards Ceremony. It is understood that during the meeting, Salman reiterated to Song Kai that the AFC will continue to work with the Chinese Football Association to support them in revitalizing Chinese football.
After a long flight of nearly 9 hours, the flight taken by Song Kai, chairman of the Chinese Football Association, and his entourage arrived in Doha, Qatar at 1:24 pm local time on October 30. Due to weather factors, the flight took off from Beijing after being delayed for more than 8 hours, which seems to be hinting to Song Kai and the new leadership of the Chinese Football Association that the work of the association in the future, including the foreign affairs work that urgently needs to be "regained", will face many uncertainties and bumps.
The official purpose of Song Kai's trip to Doha is to be invited by the AFC to participate in the 2022 AFC Awards Ceremony on the evening of the 31st local time. However, for Song Kai, who has just taken office, the purpose of this trip is not just to show his face in international football activities, but to take this opportunity to establish contacts with FIFA, AFC and their main leaders as soon as possible, strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese Football Association and them, so as to strive for more favorable competition and development conditions for Chinese football.
It is understood that because the arrival time in Doha was nearly 8 hours later than the scheduled time, Song Kai and his entourage also had to speed up the specific itinerary. One of the first things they did when they arrived was to meet with AFC President Salman. It is reported that during the meeting later on the 30th local time, Salman first congratulated Song Kai on his election as the chairman of the 12th Chinese Football Association, and at the same time congratulated the Chinese Football Association on electing 4 vice presidents of the association and the executive committee of the association composed of 20 members. Salman said he had taken note of Song Kai's strong commitment to the reform and development of Chinese football at the Chinese Football Association General Assembly on October 16, and reiterated that the AFC will continue to work with the Chinese Football Association to support them in revitalizing Chinese football.
In the early morning of the 31st, Beijing time, the AFC focused on the meeting between Song Kai and Salman in an important position on its official website with the title of "AFC President Praises the Development of Chinese Football". Salman was quoted by the AFC as saying: "The AFC will remain steadfast in its commitment to making football the number one sport on the Asian continent. I believe that under the leadership of Chairman Song Kai, the Chinese Football Association can help Chinese football rise to a higher level. We will work together to achieve this. Salman added: "It is heartening to see the determination of the new leadership of the Chinese Football Association to develop football and promote the progress of Chinese football. Football still has great potential for development in China. ”
"The President of the AFC also took this opportunity to extend his best wishes to the Chinese Football Association for the nominations for four awards at the 2022 AFC Awards – Zhang Linyan (AFC Women's Player of the Year), Shui Qingxia (AFC Women's Coach of the Year), Huo Yuexin (AFC Young Women's Player of the Year) and the Chinese Football Association (AFC Grassroots Football Gold Award)," the AFC revealed. In addition, Salman also mentioned the fact that the Chinese women's football team won the Asian Cup last year and three Chinese Super League teams participated in the AFC Champions League this season, believing that Chinese football has made certain achievements in the international arena and believes that Chinese football will be better in the future.
Song Kai also expressed his appreciation and welcome for the commitment of the AFC to join hands with the Chinese Football Association to develop Chinese football. At the end of the meeting, Salman made it clear that the AFC will continue to help Chinese football continue to develop with a series of practical development plans.
It is reported that after meeting with Salman, Song Kai also plans to have face-to-face communication with the heads of FIFA, AFC and relevant key member associations.
Text/Beiqing Sports Xiao Yun