China could meet France under right appearance fee
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-01-07 10:45

China are seeking a friendly match with France's World Cup side on June 7, but are holding out for an appearance fee, a Chinese sports website said.

China, who failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals, have been seeking friendly matches with participants in the tournament and have held several rounds of negotiations with the French Football Federation, the sports website of Sina.com, one of China's leading portals, said Friday.

Both sides have tentatively agreed to hold the match on June 7 near France's training site in Germany, but besides wanting a guarantee for an appearance fee, the Chinese side are also concerned that the match would interfere with their domestic Super League, the report said.

According to the report, France are seeking the friendly match with China because the Chinese side share similar playing styles and tactics with South Korea which are in Group G with France, Switzerland and Togo.

The June 7 match is scheduled three days before the World Cup finals are set to begin.