ABOUT

While the modern game of football started with the foundation of the Football Association of England in 1863, its roots extend to opposite ends of the earth. The ancient Chinese, Greeks and Romans played a similar game, long before English kings in the 1300s and 1400s were trying to outlaw the violent sport.

While professionals are allowed in the men’s tournament, rules restrict teams to players under 23 years old with the exception of three over-age players. ’No age restrictions apply for the women’s tournament. For the Beijing 2008 Games the number of women’s teams has been increased to 12. The men’s tournament is set at 16 teams.

Chinese Football Association

Founded: January 1955

Headquarters: Beijing

ICF Member since: 1931

President: YUAN Weimin

General-Secretary: Yan Shiduo

Add: C3, Longtan Road, Chongwen District, Beijing 100061, China

Tel: (8610) 67113746

Fax: (8610) 67165184

E-mail: beckycaf@yahoo.com.cn

Commissions:

Consultantative Commission

Finance Commission

Competition Commission

Women's Football Commission

Junior Football Commission

School Football Commission

Referees Commission

Laws and Regulations Commission

Science and Technical Commission

Coaches Commission

Security Commission

Press Commission

External Affairs Commission

Brief Introduction:

A national mass sports organization and member of the All-China Sports Federation. Its highest organ of power is the National Congress, the executive organ is the Presidential Meeting which is in charge of the administration work.

The CFA joined the Asian Football Confederation in 1952.

The CFA organizes annual selections of Best Team, Best Coach, Golden Ball, Golden Whistle and Golden Boot in recognition of the great achievements made in the sport of football. The CFA also organizes, on an annual basis, the National Football Club Championship, National Youth Women's Football Championship, National Youth Grand Prix, national Olympic tournaments U-17, U19 and U21, National Men's League for Division B, national youth men's and women's leagues, National Women's League, CFA Cup tournament and National League for Division A.

Link: International Football Federation (FIFA)

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