China's domestic season kicks off this week "with hopes of a resurgence for the beautiful game" after the league joined the world's biggest spenders, according to the AFP. Chinese Super League clubs spent €122.2M ($135M) during the recently closed winter transfer window, almost double last year's figure, second only to the English Premier League (€186.8M) ($206M). Australian footballer Tim Cahill, once of EPL side Everton, "is the star name among the 47 imports -- including many Brazilians -- who will double the number of overseas players in the competition when it starts on Saturday." The positive atmosphere around Asia's most watched football league "stands in contrast to previous years when Chinese football was riddled with corruption and the national team regularly humiliated on the pitch." China is "confident its top tier will not follow a similar pattern, given that only four foreigners, including one Asian, are allowed in starting line-ups across the continent." Chinese TV commentator Yan Qiang said, "I believe Chinese clubs paying top prices for top international players will be a positive thing. Unlike in England, China -- and all Asian leagues -- have to obey the 'three plus one' policy. Therefore there will always be enough room for domestic talent in the top teams" (AFP, 3/5).
