Chinese Football Association president Song Kai delivers withering attack on state of game during interview with state media

A top Chinese football boss has launched a scathing attack on the state of the game in the country, calling the national team a “fourth-rate” side.

Song Kai’s damning verdict came after the men’s side lost 7-0 to Japan last September, but was only revealed by state broadcaster CCTV on Wednesday, in the first episode of the series Dialogue with Chinese Football, titled Disparity.

The Chinese Football Association president made the comments when meeting with youth team coaches following the thrashing by their bitter rivals, but the documentary was aired the day after China beat Bahrain 1-0 in the final game of their ill-fated World Cup qualifying campaign on Tuesday.

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