The Chinese Football Association (CFA) released a reform program
on Tuesday that it hopes will pull the derailing Chinese Premier
League back on track.
?
The plan focuses on operations of top league clubs, opening
financial statements to public scrutiny, establishing a league
company co-administered by CFA and the clubs, and suspending
relegation this season.
CFA Vice President Yan Shiduo announced the plan after a two-day
marathon meeting between CFA and club operators, with the
participation of provincial sports officials.
Yan acknowledged the problems hampering Chinese football,
including fixed matches, "black whistles" from corrupt referees and
gambling on fixed games.
"There is no alternative to reforming Chinese football, except
collapse. The CFA will give full consideration to the interests of
clubs and help those that are losing money build confidence and
hope to earn profits from football," he said.
The CFA agreed to open Premier League financial statements to
the public in November, and the final accounts early next year. The
move will not apply to accounts of past seasons.
The action is taken in response to clubs' accusations that the
CFA accounts lack transparency, and of corruption and withholding
of revenues that should be shared.
A company will be set up to run the Premier League business,
with a preparatory group to be organized first, comprising CFA
representatives, club investors and advisors. The company will
provide clubs a more powerful voice in league operation.
The CFA agreed to the clubs' request to suspend relegation for
the Premier League this year, without affecting upgrades from the
First Division League. However, it refused to postpone the
remaining five rounds of top-flight matches.
Dalian Shide and six other clubs had demanded that the remaining
games be held in abeyance until action is taken on reform.
Although football is wildly popular in China, most professional
teams are unprofitable and frequently change ownership. The game
has suffered from a shortage of home talent, while continuous
scandals and poor international performance have alienated many
spectators.
Chinese football, already simmering, came to a full boil
following a walkover by Beijing Hyundai that resulted in a 300,000
yuan (US$36,000) fine and deduction of three points from the club
in the 12-team Premier League standings. Match referee Zhou Weixin
was suspended.
Undisciplined behavior in the clubs prompted an outcry for a
complete reform of the wobbling operating structure. An angry CFA
is placing more emphasis on good order from the clubs and strict
training for referees to avoid disputed decisions.
The clubs have not yet issued their responses to the CFA's
announcement.
(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2004)
