Chinese game still kicking, but few are watching (Reuters) Updated: 2005-11-22 11:40
LESS ATTENTION
Less bad news, however, translated into less attention, both from
increasingly cynical fans and the media.
One of the rare moments of press interest came when wealthy comedian Zhao
Benshan, famed across China for his portrayals of yokels, took over as chairman
of the struggling Liaoning team.
That was an exception to the rule for a season in which the stakes were low
as the league halted relegation to appease clubs thinking of jumping ship last
year.
Still, Sinosoc's Park thinks things should get better.
"From the 2006 season there will be relegation again. This should add to the
excitement and draw back the crowds," he wrote. "Less corruption is also a good
sign as many fans were just fed up with the whole situation."
Tepid interest in the domestic game carried over to money-spinning pre-season
tours by international squads, including Manchester United and Real Madrid.
The Spanish side's off-season tour was roundly criticised in China -- state
media blasted the team as "a plague of locusts" -- for failing to give fans
value for money, and only 25,000 people turned out to watch their exhibition
match in Beijing.
One person, at least, was inspired by the past season of Chinese football.
Dalian Shide's deputy chairman was so excited about the team's FA Cup and
Super League titles that he named his new-born daughter "Shuangguan", which
means "double champion".
|