SOCCER is much more than a sport, and has a “unique magic” power to bring people together, said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in an exclusive interview with Xinhua ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

While attending the ongoing G20 Summit held in Bali, Indonesia, Infantino called on world leaders to set aside tensions and conflicts, and enjoy the quadrennial soccer event, which is scheduled to take place from Sunday to Dec. 18 in Qatar.

“The World Cup should be an occasion for joy and unity. It should send a message of hope,” Infantino told Xinhua.

Infantino said soccer is also an important economic activity with a global GDP of hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars, creating millions of jobs and bolstering economic growth. “This is about growth, economic growth,” said the FIFA head.

Infantino expected the FIFA World Cup in Qatar to be viewed by 5 billion people, more than half of the world’s population.

Noting China’s plan to bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2031, Infantino said that the move, together with China’s involvement in soccer clubs and youth soccer, helps address regional imbalances in soccer development, and is crucial for the overall development of the sport.

“China has to be a key part of growth of soccer. Bidding for important events has to be an element that makes soccer grow even more in China, women’s or men’s soccer,” he said.

He said that FIFA has been discussing how to implement a soccer culture in China, with the hope of making young boys and girls dream of becoming soccer players, and teaching them team spirit and respect for each other.

“Soccer touches the emotions of people. It is about passion and inclusion,” Infantino said.

“When you give a ball to a girl or to a boy, or even to a person who is a bit older, he or she starts to smile,” he said.

(Xinhua)