Dalian register S.League interest
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-04-17 10:48

Chinese league giants Dalian Shide have revealed their interest in entering a team in Singapore's S.League.

Speaking to Singapore's Today tabloid, Dalian general manager Lin Lefeng said that the seven-time China league champions have been keeping a close eye on the progress of Chinese side Sinchi in the S.League and could replace the struggling club if they withdraw at the end of the current season.

"We are fully aware of Sinchi's situation in the S.League. If the time and situation is right, we want to explore the possibility of playing in the S.League," said Lin.

According to Lin, Dalian Shide have been interested in entering a team in Singapore's top division since 2002. "At that time, we explored the possibilities and even contemplated some form of cooperation with Sinchi, but the plan did not work out," he added.

"So, if Sinchi are to withdraw in the near future, the time could be ripe for Dalian to join the S.League."

The S.League's CEO, Chan King Fook, has admitted to preliminary talks with Dalian but maintains that the league will not make major adjustments to accommodate another new club.

"We definitely welcome their interest and any other local clubs as well, but we wouldn't want to be chopping and changing for no particular reason. We need some form of stability in the league," said Chan.

"For me, the current 10 clubs is about right for the S.League for the next couple of years."

The S.League welcomed Sinchi as their first foreign-based club last season. Despite targetting a top-four finish in their debut year, the Chinese side finished a disappointing seventh and have fared even worse this season with no points from their first five games.

The league was cut from 12 to 10 teams in the off-season with local sides Sengkang Marine, Sembawang Rangers and Jurong FC dropping out, and Japanese outfit Albirex Niigata becoming the second foreign side to join the S.League.

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