Chinese football "clean and entertaining" in 2005

Most Chinese Super League games “were clean and entertaining” in 2005, Xinhua has reported. "Most clubs and players have returned to rational thinking after last year's problems which actually was because we failed to address the issues that have emerged in the past 10 years of professional league," China Football Association deputy president Xie Yalong told the state newsagency.

"They are more sensible now and more friendly toward fans. The general atmosphere is calm and favorable for the sport. However, it is not until we see good results at the 2008 Beijing Olympics that we can say that Chinese football is back in reckoning. Then we must fight to advance to the 2010 World Cup finals and ensure we are on the right path for a glorious future," he said.

See also: 2006 comings and goings in China Super League (3 Dec) and China Super League kicks off 2006 with more teams (26 Nov)