Prague, March 31 (IANS) Former Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved has signed a three-year deal to be ambassador for the Chinese top football league.
The 43-year-old replaced former England captain David Beckham for the role which he was handed to by Chinese Super League (CSL) chairman Ma Chengquan here on Wednesday, reports Xinhua.
“Before me it was David Beckham so it’s a great honour for me and for the entire Czech Republic,” the winner of the 2003 Ballon d’Or said on the fringes of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit here.
The CSL company said Nedved, dubbed “Czech Ironman” in China, has been a widely recognised figure in the most populous country.
“Nedved is known for his outstanding football skills and more importantly his never-say-die spirit. His fighting spirit fits well in what the CSL calls for,” the CSL said in a statement.
Uruguay reiterates interest in co-hosting 2030 World Cup 2030 with Argentina
Montevideo, March 31 (IANS) Uruguay President Tabare Vazquez reiterated the country’s interest in hosting the 2030 World Cup with Argentina in meeting with Gianni Infantino, head of FIFA, football’s world governing body.
Vazquez said that he “officially (presented) the possibility of hosting the 2030 World Cup (in Uruguay and Argentina) to the FIFA president. This proposal comes from the two brother countries, their football associations and their governments. It is simply a proposal, a hope, a dream and a longing to organise this sporting event in Uruguay”, reports Xinhua news agency.
Infantino said the talk of 2030 World Cup can wait for a while.
“We have spoken of this dream, this idea and this project for the 2030 World Cup but it is still far away,” said Infantino with Vazquez at the presidential residence.
“Before, we must organise the whole process for the 2026 World Cup and make sure that it is clear and transparent, and then we will talk about 2030.”
Infantino highlighted Uruguay and Argentina’s interest as “very positive on behalf of the two countries that have made football history, and have contributed with their players”.
“Today, organising a World Cup is very big and very important. It involves a lot of work and has lots of requirements but there is a lot of time for all of this,” said Infantino, even though he avoided giving an opinion on the infrastructure that Uruguay offers.
The FIFA president arrived here on Tuesday and visited the Centenario Stadium and Penarol and Nacional’s grounds. Infantino also attended the World Cup qualifier between Uruguay and Peru.
