Song Kai delivers a speech at the Chinese Football Association (CFA) 12th membership conference on October 16, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

 
Song Kai, president of Chinese Football Association (CFA), said Chinese football has potential for improvement and proposed six measures to advance its development, at a seminar on Tuesday, according to chinanews.com on Wednesday.

The 2024 China Football Development Seminar began in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Tuesday. The event was attended by investors, general managers from top-tier and second-tier Chinese clubs, and representatives from 16 key cities for football development. Discussions covered youth training, grassroots football, and the creation of development hubs nationwide.

Addressing the state of Chinese football in recent years, Song admitted, "Nobody is satisfied." He noted shortcomings in Chinese football, including a weak technical foundation, inadequate youth training, and a lack of internal stability.

Song stressed that Chinese football's development strategy should prioritize stability, avoid unnecessary disruptions, and embrace openness and internationalization.

The six measures he proposed are namely a technique-centered approach, rigorous training, bringing qualified coaches to youth training, establishing a robust competition system, promoting the integration of sports and education, and harnessing local enthusiasm.

The development of the domestic league must also become more open, allowing players to feel the pressure of competition. He emphasized the need for athletes to undergo rigorous training and remain focused on football, stating that such dedication is key to improving Chinese football.