Wei recently indicated that the world's most populous nation would throw its hat into the ring for 2026, placing question marks over fellow Asian confederation members Qatar, Australia, Japan and South Korea's bids to host the 2022 edition.

FIFA have said no continent will be allowed to host consecutive World Cups.

However, the CFA admitted the idea had not even reached the planning stage, with FIFA also yet to outline the bidding process for 2026.

"Director Wei did say that he personally believed it would be time for China to host a World Cup in 2026," CFA spokesman Dong Hua told Press Association Sport.

"But it is a big issue that needs a series of serious discussions among the higher-level authorities."

The governing body will first have to get approval from the State General Administration of Sports which will then report to the State Council for a final verdict.

"It has not been discussed in any official meeting yet," Dong added. "There are still lots of uncertainties."

Wei, though, is hopeful China could bank on its global economic profile when bidding to host the tournament a source close to the CFA chief confirmed to Press Association Sport.

"Wei understands that the road to win a bid for the World Cup will be convoluted," the source said.

"But he wants to make an all-out effort."

China's hopes for 2026 will be dashed if any of the four Asian confederation countries are awarded the 2022 World Cup and, as such, any bid will not be discussed in earnest until FIFA announce their decision on December 2.

"China won't officially start the discussions on a 2026 bid until the result on 2022 is out," the source explained.

"Wei is just doing his job as part of efforts to raise the profile of China football."

China were last year reportedly interested in bidding for either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup but backed down at the last minute.

Wei's comments about China's renewed interest in a 2026 bid indicates the country's determination to improve football in the country following failures in the Asian qualifiers for both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Leaders including President Hu Jintao and Vice-president Xi Jinping have also said the state is adamant it wants to bolster Chinese football so that national sides at all levels can improve the nation's profile worldwide.