The Chinese Football Association has announced plans to launch a national esports team for virtual football events.
The footballing body’s esports team representing China aims to compete in competitions sanctioned by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
According to a notice, the federation has outlined the ‘cooperation zones’ needed for the initiative. This includes training facilities for its players as well as logistics and funding required for the team to attend international events.
The host cities interested in hosting the national team will be expected to provide infrastructure appropriate for practice and competition. Applicants looking to collaborate with the federation have until July 29th, 2025, to submit a letter of intent.
The decision has come as a surprise to the football industry in the country, following the men’s national team failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place in the United States and Mexico.
China’s football federation isn’t the first to explore opportunities within the esports industry. In June, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) collaborated with free-to-play football title UFL to showcase its ability for players and tournament organisers to host esports tournaments.
Football Esports In China
China’s esports sector is one of the largest in the world, with organisations from the country achieving success across a range of titles including League of Legends and Dota 2.
In recent years, the country has expanded into football esports. 2021 saw the Premier League partner with Tencent to host a regional edition of the ePremier League.
Alongside the ePremier League, China hosts the FC Online China Pro League, an FC Online competition integrated into the EA Sports FC ecosystem. However, given FIFA’s split from EA, it is unclear if the new esports team will compete in the football title.
FIFAe, FIFA’s own esports series, has largely focused on eFootball and Rocket League competitions.
Elsewhere, Wolves Esports, the esports branch of football club Wolverhampton Wanderers, continues to expand its presence within the region. Following investment from Chongqing Lvfa Industrial Group Co., Ltd (Lvfa Group), the organisation is building a 10,000-square-foot facility in the region.
