IN recent weeks the global media have been invaded by news or just speculation about Chinese billionaires buying controlling stakes in European football clubs and acquiring top European players to play in the Chinese Super League.
The latest supposed deal is about buying the majority stake in AC Milan, one of the most prestigious and successful European clubs, by Chinese investors. This follows the acquisition of about 70% shares of Inter Milan, another leading European club by the Nanjing-based Suning Holding Group. Since last year Chinese companies have reportedly invested more than $1.7bil (RM4.03bil) in sports, the majority of it in football.