Government must "eliminate scourge in Chinese soccer"

Asian Football Confederation president Peter Velappan warned that corruption could "kill" soccer in China, according to an AFP story. "The government must investigate the allegations of corruption and eliminate the scourge in Chinese soccer," Velappan said. "[T]hey have to be very serious to fight corruption. When some Southeast Asian countries had this problem, we advised them to get the help of the police. This is what we have advised China to do."

Good advice. If the Chinese police know one thing, it is corruption. That Chinese soccer is crooked should surprise no one. After all, it was the Chinese who coined the phrase "black whistle" (hei shao or 黑哨) to describe a referee on the take. Last year's first season of the China Super League was a mess, with rampant allegations of match-fixing and teams simply quitting in the middle of games.

This season, financially-strapped CSL teams were practically begging fans to show up for matches. And China's cabinet ordered a crackdown on corruption, but allegations of thrown matches and "rogue players" have continued.

Still, it's the only game in town. So here is the remaining China Super League schedule for the three Shanghai teams. And, as always, use caution when placing your bets.