BEIJING - Chinese soccer chief Wei Di used to be unfamiliar with soccer, calling himself a "layman" of the sport.

Wei, 55, a former track and field athlete specializing in throwing events, was never involved in soccer in his athletic and sports management careers.

But he was suddenly appointed to his current post five months ago, tasked with saving the struggling sport in the country that was hit by poor international performances, match-fixing scandals and illegal gambling.