China Football Association released the official bid for the “Home City of the 2018 World Cup Qualifications”. Although the bid is just open to the “first-class” cities, many candidates handed in the application after the release. Nanjing, Xi`an, Guangzhou, Changsha, Hangzhou,Beijing are all the tough competitors for the bid.

After China was qualified and played in the World Cup in 2002, China never stepped into the final phase of the qualifications even. Moreover the CFA charged every home city for holding the matches. Those made the home games less attractive and lucrative.

However things changed from this time.

Firstly, China National Team did a wonderful job in 2015. They made quarter final in Asian Cup, won 3 continuous matches in the group phase and capture the seed position in the qualification. With a lucky draw, the fans are seeing a bright future for the team which may guarantee the attendance and box office.

Not only the performance of China Team draws the interest of cities, the moves of CFA also the main motive for the candidates.

CFA announced that the cities which hold the matches are free of any monetary fee, even have the right in franchising and licensing. This undoubtedly would benefit the host in a big way. Before the new policy, CFA charged the host city for 2 million RMB even for a warm-up match

Despite the training court, broadcast, organizing and security are still covered by the host, the traffic and accommodation would be paid by China Football Company. Also, the host is entitled to find a sponsor and get 4 minutes on the courtside LED board.

However, the bid regulation is relatively strict. The kick-off time must be on 7:35 p.m. , while the stadium should have 40000+ seats. The stadium is supposed to have two natural grass training court and the number of ambulances is written in the regulation.Noticeably, the regulation even name the attendance (80% or above is necessary).