|
Chinese game still kicking, but few are watching
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-22 11:40
MEDIA ACCUSATIONS
The nature of Xu's influence is a matter of debate. He also owns or controls
other Super League clubs which the domestic media have dubbed "Dalian's allies"
and indirectly accused of deliberately offering little opposition to Shide.
"This season, Dalian's
allies still acted like their bodyguards," the state-run China Sports Daily
said. "Because of their allies' actions, Dalian's championship is less
meaningful."
Last year's Super League champions, Shenzhen Jianlibao, collapsed as quickly
as Dalian rose this season, finishing second to last in the rankings as they
struggled with money and image problems.
Shenzhen did make the AFC Champions League semi-finals, but were then thumped
6-0 by Saudi side Al Ain.
"That result is another sign of the chaos in the Super League," the China
Sports Daily said.
The second season of the league, set up in 2003 to boost the image of the
domestic game, kicked off a month late to give financially strapped teams time
to seek more sponsors.
A few weeks in, Shenzhen's head coach accused the club of succumbing to
"ruffian" players after he was abruptly sacked. AFC general secretary Peter
Velappan warned China the Super League had to get clean or risk collapse.
As the season progressed, though, things went more smoothly than in 2004-05,
when the league nearly fell apart after seven clubs threatened a boycott over
corruption charges.
Chinese football authorities admit corruption was rife in the domestic game,
with gambling often cited as the root cause.
|
