Basic HTML Version
TOUCHLINE
MAGAZINE.COM
|
13
publicly fail, it is a source of humiliation, as though the entire edifice of
free market, totalitarian rule is not the perfect political organism.
The Chinese national team is a disaster. Last year, a country of well
over a billion people could not find 11 players to overcome war-torn Syria.
There were country-wide protests andmuch trolling of the Chinese FA.
The government reacted immediately by limiting the
number of foreign players allowed in the match day squad
from four to three. The official line on this was that foreign
players are limiting the number of chances given to
Chinese players, especially where the most skill is
needed, in the forward line.
So obviously there is a problem here. The foreign
players are crowding out the locals. There is
not enough depth of clubs in China to help
professional players get properly blooded. One
argument as to why English players can actually
thrive is that there are over
90 professional teams
across four divisions.
China currently has
16 teams, which
means there is a
maximum of 40
attacking spots
across the entire
country. Even with
the new rule, all of these
positions can be filled by
foreigners.
On the one hand, China needs these foreign
players, both in the long and short term. Bigger names help fill
stadiums and raise viewership. This means more money at the gate,
inevitably bigger TV deals and more sponsors. More money means
clubs can invest in youth and can bring in bigger foreign names and
coaches. It becomes a positive snowball of success.
In the short term, these players can raise the standards of the
existing squads. Playing alongside Carlos Tevez or Oscar helps players
to understand how true champions train and work. They become positive
role models.
The MLS in America seems to be a case of how to get this right. Last year,
there were more American players in the league than at any point since it got
started in 1993.
They still invest in tent-pole players, but these tend to come in at the latter
stages of their careers. They do get bums on seats, but because of the rules
about salary caps, only one player per team can make the money big enough to
drag players across the Atlantic. Starting with David Beckham, these imports
arrive with impeccable pedigree, but sometimes dodgy knees. Andrea Pirlo,
Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Thierry Henry all came and were used as a
role models for the largely American squad. With these legends imparting their
professional advice, the MLS has made some advances, while the National Team
reaps the benefit of the improving qualities of the league players.
The Chinese, American and English leagues are all very different. There are too
many variables to make a strong argument either for or against the recruitment of
foreign players. But if sport is about the best, then the evidence seems to suggest a
mercenary or two can be of benefit.