Latest news with #BrankoIvankovic
Japan Times
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Japan Times
China's top football body to form esports team after World Cup flop
China's top soccer body said on Tuesday it planned to form a national esports team, a surprise foray into virtual gaming after a dismal performance saw the country fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The new national esports soccer team will compete in "events organized by FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and other organizations," the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said. The CFA last month sacked national coach Branko Ivankovic after a 1-0 defeat to Indonesia, a result that effectively dashed China's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup. But while China languishes at 94th in FIFA's world rankings, two places below tiny Luxembourg to the dismay of its vast fanbase, the country's esports sector is booming. In 2024, the industry boasted approximately 490 million users, generated $38.5 billion in annual revenue and hosted 124 esports competitions. At the 2023 Asian Games, China's esports team secured four out of five gold medals. The CFA's foray into esports sparked mixed reactions among Chinese football fans. "I think this might actually work," one Weibo user said. "We have quite a considerable esports player base in our country, and the talent selection is relatively fair," he said. Others were less optimistic. "They have messed up soccer in real life and now they want to mess up soccer in esports," wrote another.
South China Morning Post
22-07-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
China's football team flopped in World Cup 2026 bid. Now officials launch esports version
Chinese football chiefs have revealed plans to launch a national esports team – and have been mocked by social media users who said that the body had done enough damage to the sport in the country. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) said on Monday that the team would compete in 'events organised by Fifa, the Asian Football Confederation and other organisations'. The CFA sacked national coach Branko Ivankovic after a 1-0 defeat to Indonesia that effectively ended the country's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. China have appeared at only one World Cup, all the way back in 2002, and are currently 94th in Fifa's world rankings. However, the country has dominated esports in recent years, winning four out of five gold medals at the Asian Games, with a talent pool of about 490 million users to choose from. Sixteen national teams will compete in Rocket League at the FIFAe Finals 2025 in Riyadh. Photo: SCMPOST However, the CFA's decision to launch an esports team was met with jeers by Weibo users.
News18
22-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
From Football To Esports? China FA Announces Pivot After Failed 2026 WC Qualifiers
Last Updated: After failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, China's football authority plans to create a national esports football team to compete in FIFA and AFC events. In an unexpected move following its failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, China's top football authority announced plans on Tuesday to establish a national esports football team. The initiative marks a surprising pivot toward virtual competition, as the country's traditional football program continues to struggle. According to a statement from the Chinese Football Association (CFA), the new esports team will represent China in competitions 'organised by FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and other organisations." China's decision comes in the wake of a disappointing performance in the World Cup qualifiers. A 1-0 loss to Indonesia last month led to the dismissal of national team coach Branko Ivankovic, effectively ending China's hopes of reaching the 2026 tournament. Currently ranked 94th in the FIFA World Rankings—two spots below Luxembourg—China's football program continues to fall short of expectations, much to the frustration of its large and passionate fan base. News of the CFA's entry into esports football has prompted varied reactions across Chinese social media. 'I think this might actually work," one user wrote on Weibo. 'We have quite a considerable esports player base in our country, and the talent selection is relatively fair." However, skepticism remains among others. 'They have messed up football in real life, and now they want to mess up football in esports," another user commented. As the CFA moves forward with this digital initiative, it remains to be seen whether success in the virtual arena can restore national pride—or invite further criticism. (with AFP inputs) view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
HKFP
22-07-2025
- Sport
- HKFP
China's top football body to form esports team after World Cup flop
China's top football body said on Tuesday it planned to form a national esports team, a surprise foray into virtual gaming after a dismal performance saw the country fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The new national esports football team will compete in 'events organised by FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and other organisations', the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said. The CFA last month sacked national coach Branko Ivankovic after a 1-0 defeat to Indonesia, a result that effectively dashed China's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup. But while China languish at 94th in FIFA's world rankings, two places below tiny Luxembourg to the dismay of their vast fanbase, the country's esports sector is booming. In 2024, the industry boasted approximately 490 million users, generated US$38.5 billion in annual revenue and hosted 124 esports competitions. At the 2023 Asian Games, China's esports team secured four out of five gold medals. The CFA's foray into esports sparked mixed reactions among Chinese football fans. 'I think this might actually work,' one Weibo user said. 'We have quite a considerable esports player base in our country, and the talent selection is relatively fair,' he said. Others were less optimistic. 'They have messed up football in real life and now they want to mess up football in esports,' wrote another.
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Chinese Football Association to form esports team after NT fails to qualify for FIFA World Cup
China's top football body said on Tuesday it planned to form a national esports team, a surprise foray into virtual gaming after a dismal performance saw the country fail to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026. The new national esports football team will compete in 'events organised by FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and other organisations', the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said. The CFA last month sacked national coach Branko Ivankovic after a 1-0 defeat to Indonesia, a result that effectively dashed China's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup. But while China languishes at 94th in FIFA's world rankings, two places below tiny Luxembourg to the dismay of its vast fanbase, the country's esports sector is booming. In 2024, the industry boasted approximately 490 million users, generated $38.5 billion in annual revenue and hosted 124 esports competitions. At the 2023 Asian Games, China's esports team secured four out of five gold medals. The CFA's foray into esports sparked mixed reactions among Chinese football fans. 'I think this might actually work,' one Weibo user said. 'We have quite a considerable esports player base in our country, and the talent selection is relatively fair,' he said. Others were less optimistic. 'They have messed up football in real life and now they want to mess up football in esports,' wrote another.
