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New wave of Chinese investment expected

This week the 19th Congress of the Communist Party will be held in Beijing. It is an opportunity for President Xi Jinping to consolidate his hold on the party as his begins his second five year term. It will also enable him to reinvigorate his long march into global football.

Earlier this year the Chinese government clamped down on foreign football investment as part of a move to slow capital flows of the country. Some Chinese investors got round this restriction by using money they had stashed in Hong Kong or elsewhere. In any case the decision to add sports clubs to a list of restricted overseas businesses by the State Council was only seen as a temporary measure.

President Xi is expected to reverse the measure and unleash a new wave of Chinese investment in English clubs. Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are among likely targets.

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