How Chinese money chases European sports

Break into Premier League, finally

West Bromwich Albion became the first Premiership side to be acquired by Chinese mainland owners in August.

Arsenal's Olivier Giroud attempts a shot on the West Brom goal during an English Premier League soccer match at the Emirates Stadium in London, Britain, December 26, 2016. [Photo/IC]

Shanghai-based consortium, Yunyi Guokai (Shanghai) Sports Development Ltd, became the new owner of West Brom, after a deal of which no price details were given. The group is headed by 42-year-old Lai Guochuan.

The Midlands club (yes, again) currently ranks 9th in the Premier League, after a Christmas time 1-0 blow by Arsenal.

Birmingham's Yeung era ends

Chinese firm Trillion Trophy Asia (TTA) completed its takeover of Birmingham City in October, making the club fourth Midlands-based side to welcome Chinese owners.

Fans pass in front of Birmingham City Football Club's ground, St Andrews stadium. [Photo by Robin Parker/British Phonographic Industry]

TTA, which is controlled by businessman Paul Suen, purchased 50.64 percent of stake of the club's holding company, Birmingham International Holdings Limited, in a deal that valued the club at 12.3 million pounds ($15.1 million). The take-over officially ended a tumultuous era under Carson Yeung, the Hong Kong tycoon who purchased the club in 2009 but resigned from all club-related positions in February 2014 before being jailed for money laundering.

The club has been stuck in the second-tier league after relegation from the top-flight Premier League in 2012.