Despite his growing age, former England captain David Beckham is still in the news as he has always been during his old glorious old days. Last few weeks, he found good media coverage by signing a short term deal for PSG; moreover, his every action is being closely watched by the media and his tons of fans there. Now, he has found a new job for himself which he will serve simultaneous to playing with France club. He has been appointed as the brand ambassador of China football to widen the popularity of Chinese league. His job profile will include his attendance in major league matches along with appointments with the various clubs followed by a discussion about the game. Actually, not many great players have managed to be associated with Chinese clubs in the past for various reasons, like Ex Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who joined Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in June 2012, but left to Turkish side Galatasaray within six months. Moreover, Nicolas Anelka also left Shanghai to an Italian side Juventus in no time. Another problem with Chinese football is all around corruption; perhaps FIFA has banned more than 50 match officials on various corruption charges, including a jail term to a former coach.
This is not the first time David Beckham has been appointed as a brand ambassador coz he has also been in similar capacity during London Olympics. Now, he has to promote the Chinese league around the world. Beckham issued a statement about his new contract, he said, “I am honoured to have been asked to play such an important role at this special time in Chinese football history. I’m excited by the prospect of promoting the world’s greatest game to Chinese sports fans as I’ve seen first hand the growing interest in football there. This is a wonderful sport that inspires people across the world and brings families together, so I’m relishing the opportunity of introducing more fans to the game.”
Looking at the recent happenings in Chinese football, especially after so many Chinese players / officials involvement in corruption related activities, it would be very difficult for former England captain to bring Chinese league on a world map where an EPL fan could watch their matches with a same level of curiosity. It looks like a distance thought at the moment, but it is a good start anyway.