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".