takes a look at all the big Chinese news stories from the weekend so you don’t have to. This time around it’s a little light, but enjoy, we’re still recovering from ACL draw day. Note, if you haven’t competed our (short!!!) 9 question survey yet, please do so!
–Big news from the CFA team registration day, Fujian Smart Hero is no more. The side was purchased by Hebei’s Yongchang Real Estate Company and is expected to play their games in Shijiazhuang. The new owners have high expectations for the club and want to see them in the CSL next season. To achieve this, they want to pursue Hebei locals Wu Xi and Zhang Chengdong but its most likely just bluster right now. This news clarifies why the CFA didn’t want a playoff between Shenxin and Fujian, as they were surely aware of the instability at the club.
–Takeshi Okada says he’s likely to return to Hangzhou Greentown next season. He appreciates the support the team and players have given him, especially during this tumultuous year in Sino-Japanese relations. However one player who hasn’t given him support is Bari Mamatil. The manager says the player claimed he was sick and couldn’t practice but then returned to Xinjiang leading to a bad relationship between player and manager. Don’t be surprised if Bari’s on his way out this offseason.
–Chinese referees are paid a lot, over RMB300,000 in some cases. This has led to a trend of fringe players retiring from the game and going into referee training. It’s an interesting story, one would think its a positive trend that referees are well paid, meaning they’ll be less incentive to get involved in corrupt practices, but if you have players who become referees, there is the potential for past relationships influencing on-field performance.
–In other coaching news, Shandong Luneng looks to be in talks with former Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Doll. The German was last with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, but has been out of coaching for almost a year. Former Shandong manager Wu Jingui appears to have taken on a role in the front office and is in charge of the managerial search.
–Some transfer rumors for you, Yu Hanchao is likely to be unveiled by Dalian Aerbin sometime next week, but his Liaoning teammate Yang Xu may be joining him there. Beijing Guoan is very close to signing former Shide defender Zhao Mingjian, who has been a target of the club for over a year.
–The Chinese women’s team is in the US prepared to play a trio of friendlies against the US, with the first one taking place tomorrow in Detroit. The “Steel Roses” recently had some success against some East Asian opponents, so this will be a test to see where they’re at.
–Your photo of the day comes from Yu Dabao visiting a school in his hometown of Qingdao to take part in a “Schoolyard Football” youth football event.
Excellent round-up. Another buy-out and moving of a club across the country is a massive shame though.
Dalian Aerbin will be serious title contenders night season.
Are they keeping Rochemback and Keita?