China moves step nearer soccer goal

Leading reform group calls for an innovative approach and says obstacles must be tackled

The goal of turning China into a soccer power has moved closer to being realized, with a top-level policymaking team approving a comprehensive reform plan to boost the sport from playgrounds to stadiums.

A meeting of the nation's Leading Group for Overall Reform headed by President and Party chief Xi Jinping decided on Friday that institutional flaws hindering soccer's development must be tackled.