Hosting a football tournament fits in with the general direction being taken by the Valletta V-18 Foundation, Culture Parliamentary Secretary José Herrera said yesterday. He was reacting to public criticism levelled at the decision to help organise the Uefa Under-17 Football Cup as part of its 2014 schedule.

The tournament will be held at Ta’ Qali Stadium and televised by broadcasting giant Eurosport. The foundation’s participation in the tournament was announced by V-18 chairman Jason Micallef last Wednesday and raised eyebrows among the artistic community.

Dr Herrera also announced on Wednesday that China would play a leading role in the island’s cultural development.

See his comments on China's participation and the involvement of football in culture above.

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