China also wants to turn around its woeful soccer fortunes, and has the money to spend to do it. Since 2015, after an edict from the central government, China has been among the biggest spenders on soccer. That includes FIFA, where Dalian Wanda Group, a Chinese property conglomerate, joined a small group of select top tier partners. The event will include teams from around the world, including eight from Europe and six from South America. Asked whether FIFA would follow its own rules and conduct a human rights review of China, including its handling of Hong Kong and Xinjiang, Mr. Infantino did not answer.

Source: International New York Times October 24, 2019 12:11 UTC