The Chinese Football Association (CFA) on Thursday refuted a rumor that China would bid for World Cup 2030, calling the news a misinterpretation by the media.

The statement came after Chengdu Business Daily quoted China’s Italian coach Marcello Lippi, who reportedly claimed that CFA will bid for the 2030 World Cup. The news quickly went viral, irritating many Chinese soccer fans who are upset that China did not qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia.

On Sina Weibo, the tag “ChinaWorldCup” has garnered over 15 million page views, with many Chinese netizens expressing their discontent, saying that the money should be dedicated to improving China’s team.

“It’d be a shame and a waste of money for China to hold the World Cup, as our team failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup finals in Russia. That money should be used on more urgent issues, like training better players,” wrote a netizen.

In response to the public’s wrath, CFA noted that Lippi was not interviewed by any media and that the news released by Chengdu Business Daily is “misleading.”

“We want to clarify that CFA has not made a bid for a specific World Cup and the story circulating online has not been approved by us,” said CFA in an official statement.