Over the last eighteen months or so, the folks in charge of the Chinese Super League have shown that they’re willing to spend silly money in order to secure the services of some of football’s biggest names.
With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise to learn that Mark Clattenburg is being linked with a move to the CSL.
The 41-year-old has been selected to take charge of the finals in the FA Cup, the Champions League and Euro 2016 this year. As we told you on Tuesday, the Premier League referee capped a memorable 2016 by picking up the best referee award at the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai – fending off competition from several of Fifa’s top officials.
According to John Cross in the Mirror, the CSL was well represented at the event and have Clattenburg on their radar as they look to improve the standard of officiating in their league. It’s also pointed out that football in China has also seen a string of corruption and match-fixing scandals. Appointing such a high profile referee would be seen as a significant step in the right direction.
Having already attracted several big name European-based players to the league with the offer of huge wages, it’s suggested that Clattenburg may also receive a lucrative offer to make the move east.
Let’s hope he’s got room on his forearms for a Chinese Super League logo tattoo…
