Many western observers "probably still believe that Europe’s top clubs remain the most coveted football targets for China and its investors," and there are "good reasons for such beliefs," according to Simon Chadwick of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. But "is it misplaced?" Could it "actually be the case that China’s football strategy is neither about the sport itself nor about Europe?" Indeed, "could it be that Iranian Gulf Pro League clubs Tractor Sazi and Perspolis are more important to the Chinese?" Following the "lifting of sanctions against Iran, the country is now opening-up to the world and establishing new trading relations." An alignment of Chinese and Iranian sporting interests "would therefore seem to be one obvious outcome of strengthening relations between the two countries." Indeed, we should "probably expect sponsorships, commercial deals, and even club relationships involving the two countries." The direct line from Beijing to Tehran is part of China’s "One Belt, One Road" project, which is comprised of two parts: the Silk Road Economic Belt, and the Maritime Silk Road. Aside from any speculation about Iranian football, "we are already seeing how the sport and OBOR are becoming part of China’s broader strategic goals." The sale of a 13% stake, worth £265M ($333M), in Man City "was in part motivated by mineral interests." This use of football for diplomatic purposes, specifically in relation to mineral trading, is "hardly new and is increasingly being used." Russia’s Gazprom has proved to be "highly adept at using a high profile portfolio of football sponsorships to further its interests." But with China "gaining access via the OBOR project to multiple new markets allied to its growing focus on football, the mineral, energy and trade-driven diplomacy of international football is likely to intensify" (SCMP, 11/10).
