A football reform leadership team has been established, with Vice-premier Liu Yandong appointed to head up the team. Other senior leaders on the team include Liu Peng, Minister of the General Administration of Sports, and Cai Zhenhua, president of the Chinese Football Association.

In March, the State Council unveiled a 50-measure football reform directive to boost the development of the game in China. Its ambitious goals include bidding to host the World Cup and helping the men’s team join the world’s leading competitors in the long run.