Japan, South Korea, Australia and Qatar are the Asian nations vying to stage the 2022 World Cup and if one were successful, it would seemingly rule China out of the running four years later as FIFA will not allow the same continent to host successive tournaments.

But even if that were the case, Wei claims China could still pitch for 2026, adding he had been impressed with the impact the World Cup had made in South Africa.

"After I came back home from the World Cup, I started to consider the bid," he told the China Daily.

"I hope our government is aware of the nationwide interest. The earlier we start to prepare, the more likely it is we will succeed.

"I believe China has the capability as well as the facilities to host a successful World Cup.

"I know four Asian countries are bidding for the 2022 World Cup but it does not mean China cannot bid for 2026. We can still bid for it, even if an Asian country hosts the 2022 event.

"It's not all about success and failure. It's more about participation.

However, any potential bid from China could seriously impact the hopes of their four Asian rivals.

With Europe thought to be the likely destination for 2018, China's interest could see USA scoop 2022 as the communist country's economic might and huge market would make it a popular choice, particularly in light of the successful 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

FIFA, though, are yet to formalise a timeline for the 2026 bidding process and while Wei has declared China's interest, nothing official has yet been confirmed and any potential bid would require government approval in any case.

The Chinese Super League has also been blighted by corruption and match-fixing in recent years, while football's popularity is now rivalled by basketball among the nation's youth.

The national team's fortunes have also declined sharply since making their only appearance at a World Cup in 2002.

Wei again denied a report that quoted him earlier this week saying he wanted Asian bids for 2022 to fail so China would be eligible to host the 2026 World Cup.

"I never said that I did not want to see any of the Asian countries host the 2022 World Cup," he added.

"It (the report) comes from nowhere. Such reports damage China's image. Officials from the Australian embassy even called us and wanted us to explain."