Just what should we make of the Chinese Super League (CSL)? Is a fair basis of comparison the development of soccer in the United States? Both have a penchant for signing 'marquee' players, big or fairly big names who are past the peak of their careers, but might still attract the crowds. Thus, defender José Fonte has agreed a £4.3m move from West Ham United to Dalian Yifang. The 34-year old is likely to earn about £120,000 a week after tax. He had 17 months left on his £70,000 a week West Ham contract. However, he has not played since October because of an ankle injury. The political environment in China is a lot more complex than the United States, or at least less transparent. A few years ago I spent a fascinating few days at a workshop on government-business relations in China in Beijing. I learnt a lot, but I also realised how much I didn't know or understand. Jonathan Sullivan of the University of Nottingham aptly commented that the business environment and po...