The 46-year-old is poised for second finals, while country’s footballers must wait at least another four years to add to 2002 appearance.

Ma Ning, a veteran referee nicknamed “card master,” has become an unlikely celebrity in China, attracting sponsorship deals, viral memes, and millions of social media interactions.

The 46-year-old is poised for second finals, while country’s footballers must wait at least another four years to add to 2002 appearance.

Chinese football fans left without a national team to support at the World Cup have turned to referee Ma Ning -- nicknamed "Card Master" for his enthusiasm in booking players --…

Chinese football fans left without a national team to support at the World Cup have turned to referee Ma Ning -- nicknamed "Card Master" as the country's representative for the…