Chinese Super League chiefs have "approached England’s top clubs for help in their bid to transform the cash-rich division into a world force," according to Sami Mokbel of the London DAILY MAIL. A number of Europe’s high-profile footballers have "moved to the Far East in recent weeks, attracted by the fortunes on offer." And execs leading the CSL’s charge have contacted representatives from various Premier League clubs "for advice on how to grow their burgeoning brand." The move will see representatives from a number of clubs make regular visits to China "to pass on their advice on various off and on the field issues." Likewise, Chinese affiliates "will take regular fact-finding missions to England." The CSL is "seeking advice from all over the world on how best to sustain the division as a long-term force in world football." CSL officials are "keen on recruiting Jose Mourinho on a consultancy basis" to help improve coaching standards at Chinese clubs. But Mourinho’s desire to land the ManU job has seen the Portuguese "stall on the proposal" (DAILY MAIL, 2/23).
STATE CONTROL CUT: REUTERS' Michael Martina reported China has reduced government control of its national football body, "under a plan to overhaul the sport and boost the performance of its struggling teams." The Chinese FA is now an independent organization with "full power to hire staff, set pay rates, organise foreign tours and select coaches." The changes are part of a reform plan issued by the State Council, or cabinet, last March and "backed by Chinese President Xi Jinping." The government made the changes by "removing" the Chinese Football Administrative Centre, "which had controlled the game." It did not "go into details about what it meant by removal" (REUTERS, 2/24).
