China's ambition to 'dominate' European football

Acquiring a series of big football teams is a step in the plan to turn Chinese football into a superpower by 2050.

In 2014, the Chinese government issued a decree to reform the sports industry, with the most notable point being the goal of turning the world's most populous country into a football superpower by the 2050s. The steps outlined by President Xi Jinping himself were to qualify for the World Cup, host the World Cup, and win the World Cup.

To achieve this goal, China is gradually influencing the football world thanks to the potential of the world's largest economy. On the one hand, Chinese clubs improve the quality of the national championship by spending a lot of money to attract global stars.

Of course, unlike the way Middle Eastern teams recruit outdated players, Chinese teams spend a lot of money, even unimaginable amounts of money to have the services of current football talents. Notable names include Hulk, Ramires, Alex Teixeira or Jackson Martinez.

On the other hand, Chinese companies use money to buy shares or completely take over famous football teams in Europe. Up to now, the tentacles of these national tycoons have spread to 12 different clubs across Europe, mainly in top national championships such as the Premier League, La Liga or Serie A.

Milan is no longer in Berlusconi's hands

It is worth mentioning that the Chinese tycoons investing in football have almost no hope of making any profit. However, they still invest heavily because they receive strong support, including financial support, from the Chinese Government. And the goal that this Government aims for is national image and foreign policy.

That's why the classic Milan derby is now overshadowed by China. On August 5, Sino-Europe Investment Management Changxing spent 740 million euros to buy the giant AC Milan, ending the 3-decade reign of billionaire Silvio Berlusconi.

After AC Milan, it was Inter Milan's turn to be taken over by Chinese owners.

Just one month later, Inter Milan, AC Milan's arch-rival, also fell into the hands of the Chinese. Specifically, the Suning retail group invested 270 million euros to buy 70% of the shares, becoming the largest shareholder with full decision-making power of the black and blue striped shirt club.

But it's not just Milan that speaks Chinese. In Spain, a series of La Liga teams have also fallen into the hands of tycoons from the world's most populous country. Some typical names include Espanyol, Granada and most notably Atletico Madrid.

Wanda Group is planning to reform the Champions League

In January 2015, billionaire Wang Jianlin's Wanda Group bought 20% of the red and white striped team's shares for 45 million euros, becoming one of the three largest shareholders. Wang Jianlin then immediately showed his influence by opening an Atletico football academy in his hometown and providing financial support for the construction of La Peineta, Atletico's new stadium.

Not stopping there, Wang Jianlin is planning to reform the Champions League by proposing a meeting of the European giants in October. Supporting this tycoon are of course fellow billionaires who have acquired football teams in Europe and a good relationship with FIFA. It is known that Wanda has signed a sponsorship contract with the most powerful agency in the football world until 2030.

Finally, Wang Jianlin is planning to organize an annual cup tournament in China, with the participation of 4 (with plans to increase to 8) European teams with shares of this country's tycoons. At this rate, the day will not be far when the stars will only take to the field wearing shirts printed with Chinese characters.

According to bongdaplus.vn