Mainland soccer optimistic despite scandals and Drogba's exit

Despite the echoes of a huge corruption scandal and Didier Drogba’s short-lived stay, a sense of cautious optimism pervades long-suffering Chinese football as the new season starts this week.

Following last year’s failed experiments with Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, blockbuster signings have given way to the more sustainable model of focusing on existing stars and emerging talent.

And pundits say the Chinese Super League (CSL), which gets underway on Friday, looks set finally to make its mark on the international stage and end China’s 23-year wait for a continental title.

Ivory Coast international Drogba and former France striker Anelka raised hopes that cash-rich Chinese football was about to hit the big time when they arrived last season. However, both left Shanghai Shenhua in January.

Last year’s hype reached its apex when David Beckham was seriously tipped for the CSL. Beckham will appear this year – but only as a paid “ambassador” for the league, a move which received a mixed reaction from fans.

Domestic sides have been noticeably more cautious in the transfer market in the run-up to this season, quietly building their teams around established top names or young Chinese talent.