The 2002 China International Football Expo was held primarily at the Shanghai Stadium and on the Shanghai Grand Stage, both of which are under the auspices of the Shanghai East Asia Sports & Recreation Center Co., which has spent more than 8 million yuan (US$963,000) developing sites for the expo. During the expo, the FIFA (the World Cup governing body), Asian Football Confederation, Women's United Soccer Association and several top European football clubs would showcase their programs, products and players.

Collectors like Lan Xiang, 75, has some 300 souvenirs, including memorabilia from five national teams, Olympic games and other international championships and invitational games. One of his prize possessions is Jia Youliang's badge from the 11th Olympic Games. Jia was one of two Chinese players at the games in Germany in 1936, a time when fascism was casting a shadow over Europe, while China was struggling through a civil war and the Chinese players had to fund their own trip. "To me, that badge symbolizes passion for the sport, love for one's country and opposition to fascism," says Lan.

Some see collecting sports souvenirs and memorabilia as a way of making money and friends. Zheng Shouyue's collection of soccer-star trading cards and tickets is another popular hobby among fans. "I enjoy it because they act as a kind of historical record of the event," says Zheng, 27.

Zheng began buying and selling local and foreign soccer trading cards over the Internet. "Where there is something interesting, there is business. Not only did I make money, I also made a name for myself"

Zheng has ticket stubs from Chinese football matches from the 1940s to today's games played in various leagues and divisions throughout the world, which he will display at the exhibit. Zheng echoes the feeling of many soccer fans: "It will broaden my football horizons and, of course, improve business!"

(eastday.com June 12, 2002)