Cuju is an ancient sport in China, which was popular in Linzi, the capital of Qi over 2300 years ago. Warring States policy? Qi Ce and Historical Records? Biographies of Su Qin recorded the relevant situation at that time: "Linzi is very rich and solid, and all his people beat drums and play the piano, beating the floor, fighting cocks and running dogs, and making great strides. On the way to Linzi, the hub of the car hit, and people jostled shoulder to shoulder ... sweating like rain, the family was surrounded by walls, and their ambitions were high. " This is the earliest record of Cuju activity in China's history books.
On February 4th, 2004, FIFA announced in London that football originated in China-the ancient cuju in China was the origin of football. In this way, the dispute over the origin of football, the "first sport" that is popular all over the world today, has reached the most authoritative conclusion. On July 15, 2004, at the 3rd China International Football Expo, FIFA and AFC agreed that China is the hometown of football and Zibo, China is the earliest birthplace of football! FIFA President Sepp Blatter said in his opening speech: "Football in China has an excellent tradition of development. Cuju in Linzi, Zibo has made great contributions to the development of football. Thanks to China for bringing this sport to the world, and the world has become more exciting because of football! " After the opening ceremony, Blatter and AFC President Harman visited the exhibition hall of "Football originated in Linzi, Zibo" in Zibo with great interest, listened carefully to the introduction of the origin of football, and happily signed their names on the imitation of the prototype of modern football "Cuju".
On the same day, the Secretary-General of the Asian Football Association, Verapan, said on behalf of FIFA and the Asian Football Association at the press conference "Football originated in Linzi, Zibo, China" jointly held by the Literature and History Committee of the State Sports General Administration of China, the China Football Association and the Zibo Municipal People's Government: "World football should thank China, because China is the birthplace of world football. A small game played by the ancients in Linzi area has now become the most popular sport in the world. FIFA and AFC have confirmed that Linzi, Zibo, China is the birthplace of football. This is the pride of China and Linzi. I hope everyone will celebrate this great event and add luster to the Asian Cup. " Mr. velappan was pleased to present Zibo with the football origin commemorative cup and certificate.
In order to further show the world the elegant demeanour of the origin of football, FIFA invited a delegation from Linzi, Zibo to visit, and will receive the delegation of the origin of football as the closing ceremony of the centennial celebration.
On May 20th, at the invitation of FIFA President Blatter, Yue Changzhi, deputy secretary of the Zibo Municipal Committee, led a delegation from Linzi, Zibo to Zurich to attend the closing ceremony of FIFA Centennial Celebration, which was warmly welcomed by the leaders of FIFA and Football Associations of five continents. Linzi, Zibo, as the birthplace of world football, was widely recognized and praised by the football community and became the protagonist of the closing ceremony.
In order to welcome the delegation, FIFA raised the national flag of China in front of the President's office building, and the heads of football federations from five continents also gathered to welcome the delegation from the origin of football. The closing ceremony officially began. First, a TV feature film introducing the origin of football in Linzi, Zibo was shown. Then, Yuan Daren, director of the Literature and History Committee of the State Sports General Administration, introduced the origin of football and the demonstration process of Zibo Linzi, and Zhang Jilong, vice chairman of the China Football Association, introduced the development of football in China. Finally, Yue Changzhi, deputy secretary of the Zibo Municipal Party Committee, delivered a warm speech and reported to the meeting the plans and schemes of the two levels of government in the urban area on the construction and development of football origin.
At FIFA headquarters, Yue Changzhi took advantage of various opportunities to introduce Zibo's introduction to the origin of football to headquarters officials and guests, and was interviewed by many Chinese and foreign media. At the closing ceremony, Yue Changzhi and the main responsible comrades in Linzi District presented souvenirs such as Cuju and Cuju inner painting pot to FIFA, President Blatter and the mayor of Zurich respectively. President Blatter presented the football certificate of origin to Linzi, Zibo, and presented a commemorative plaque for the closing ceremony of the centennial celebration. All FIFA officials and heads of five continents' football associations wrote inscriptions or autographs for Zibo Linzi.
Modern football originated in England.