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Chinese Football Association (CFA)
SportFootball

Chinese football fans urge more support, less interference for latest coach Shao

Global search ends close to home with another veteran of 2002 World Cup squad appointed and asked to ‘rebuild confidence’

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China’s men’s football team have suffered multiple disappointments in recent years. Photo: EPA-EFE
Mike Chan

Football fans in China have voiced hope that Shao Jiayi will be given time to make an impact after the former international was appointed as the latest head coach of the struggling men’s national team on Wednesday.

Shao, 45, became the third member of China’s 2002 World Cup squad to take the hot seat, following Li Tie – last year sentenced to 20 years in prison for corruption – and Li Xiaopeng.
The 2002 tournament remains China’s sole appearance, and the country’s failure to qualify for the 2026 Fifa showpiece led to the departure of Shao’s predecessor Branko Ivankovic. China finished fifth in their group in the Asian preliminaries.
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The Chinese Football Association said the former midfielder’s appointment took into account lessons learned in selecting past national team bosses.

“The current status and level of the team, and the long-term construction and development of the national team [were also considered],” it said.

Shao Jiayi (right) in action for China during his playing days. Photo: AFP
Shao Jiayi (right) in action for China during his playing days. Photo: AFP

“Shao Jiayi has accumulated rich experience as a player and coach over the years and has a deep understanding of Chinese football. We believe he can lead the national team to rebuild confidence and enhance competitiveness.”

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