Chinese FA Denies Rumor of Turning Down Friendly Match with Cape Verde

The Chinese Football Association officially refuted online rumors that it had declined a friendly match invitation from Cape Verde, calling the reports false and urging the public not to spread misinformation.

On July 7, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) issued a statement on its official social media platform to clarify a widely circulated rumor that the Chinese men's national football team had turned down a friendly match invitation from Cape Verde. The CFA confirmed that the news was completely false, stating that it had never received any formal invitation from Cape Verde, let alone declined one. The rumor, which claimed that the CFA rejected the invitation due to "insufficient preparation time," had spread rapidly on social media, sparking heated discussions among fans. Some unverified accounts even embellished the story, saying that the Chinese team had missed an opportunity to play against an African powerhouse, leading to criticism of the CFA's decision-making. In its statement, the CFA emphasized that the information was entirely untrue and urged fans and media outlets not to trust unverified online reports. The association reiterated that all arrangements for the national team's friendly matches undergo strict evaluation and follow proper procedures, and any significant match or friendly would be announced through official channels. The Chinese national team is currently in the preparation phase for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers. Key matches in the third round of qualifying are scheduled for September, with opponents including strong teams like Japan and Australia. Therefore, the team's friendly match schedule must be carefully tailored to meet the specific needs of World Cup qualification, selecting opponents that provide the most relevant preparation. This incident highlights the prevalence of misinformation in Chinese football. In recent years, false news about Chinese football has become common, ranging from rumors about naturalized players to fabricated stories about coaching changes. Such misinformation not only disrupts the team's preparation but also damages the image of Chinese football. The CFA concluded its statement by calling on fans and media to work together to maintain a healthy football information environment, urging everyone not to spread or believe rumors, and to rely only on official announcements. The association also pledged to enhance information transparency and respond promptly to public concerns. For the Chinese national team, the immediate priority is to focus on preparing for the World Cup qualifiers. Regardless of the opponent, only through solid training and competitive matches can the team improve its performance. Fans are hopeful that the team will display a better spirit and tactical level in the upcoming games.

Chinese FA Denies Rumor of Turning Down Friendly Match with Cape Verde

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