The Chinese Football Association (CFA) released a reform program on Tuesday that it hopes will pull the derailing Chinese Premier League back on track.

The plan focuses on operations of top league clubs, opening financial statements to public scrutiny, establishing a league company co-administered by CFA and the clubs, and suspending relegation this season.

CFA Vice President Yan Shiduo announced the plan after a two-day marathon meeting between CFA and club operators, with the participation of provincial sports officials.

Yan acknowledged the problems hampering Chinese football, including fixed matches, "black whistles" from corrupt referees and gambling on fixed games.

"There is no alternative to reforming Chinese football, except collapse. The CFA will give full consideration to the interests of clubs and help those that are losing money build confidence and hope to earn profits from football," he said.

The CFA agreed to open Premier League financial statements to the public in November, and the final accounts early next year. The move will not apply to accounts of past seasons.

The action is taken in response to clubs' accusations that the CFA accounts lack transparency, and of corruption and withholding of revenues that should be shared.

A company will be set up to run the Premier League business, with a preparatory group to be organized first, comprising CFA representatives, club investors and advisors. The company will provide clubs a more powerful voice in league operation.

The CFA agreed to the clubs' request to suspend relegation for the Premier League this year, without affecting upgrades from the First Division League. However, it refused to postpone the remaining five rounds of top-flight matches.

Dalian Shide and six other clubs had demanded that the remaining games be held in abeyance until action is taken on reform.

Although football is wildly popular in China, most professional teams are unprofitable and frequently change ownership. The game has suffered from a shortage of home talent, while continuous scandals and poor international performance have alienated many spectators.

Chinese football, already simmering, came to a full boil following a walkover by Beijing Hyundai that resulted in a 300,000 yuan (US$36,000) fine and deduction of three points from the club in the 12-team Premier League standings. Match referee Zhou Weixin was suspended.

Undisciplined behavior in the clubs prompted an outcry for a complete reform of the wobbling operating structure. An angry CFA is placing more emphasis on good order from the clubs and strict training for referees to avoid disputed decisions.

The clubs have not yet issued their responses to the CFA's announcement.

(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2004)