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Chinese investment in Manchester City part of a plan to host, then win the World Cup
It starts with learning from the English sports industry, apparently.
WPA Pool/Getty Images
China would like to host the 2030 World Cup, and they’d like to be very competitive when they get there, so they’ve got about 15 years to actually get good at men’s soccer. As part of that goal, some wealthy Chinese businessmen have bought a 13 percent stake in Manchester City, which they say they’ll use to improve Chinese soccer.
Check out this article in the Guardian about their goals, as well as accusations that they’re cynical businessmen who are sucking up to president Xi Jinping.
Goal of the day
In the news
Gary Neville is Valencia’s new manager. (Valencia CF)
The World Association of Leagues was formed on Monday, with the world's top leagues hoping to get a seat at the table with FIFA. (BBC)
Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will be rested in Copa del Rey on Wednesday. (ESPN FC)
Andrea Pirlo won’t be going to Inter Milan. (Football Italia)
Sacramento Republic’s proposed MLS stadium looks sweet. (SI)
Got a tattoo of Manchester City’s old crest? They might pay for you to get it removed. (Mirror)
You should be reading
Michael Yohkin on Caen’s unlikely rise to the top of Ligue 1. (ESPN FC)
Kieron O’Connor on Stoke’s finances. (Swiss Ramble)
Gareth Bland on the amazing and underrated 1978 Netherlands team. (These Football Times)
What happened on Tuesday
You can find a recap of all the League Cup games here. (Football League)
What to watch on Wednesday (click for listings, all times ET)
Copa del Rey: 8 games (from 2 p.m.) -- Barcelona plays at 2, Real Madrid at 4.
League Cup: Southampton vs. Liverpool (2:45 p.m.) -- Because the Jürgen Klopp hype train isn’t already going fast enough.
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