CFA executive preaches patience

KUALA LUMPUR - Chinese Football Association vice-president Zhang Jian says the country's soccer authorities are fighting to keep pace with the rapid growth of the domestic club game.

The Chinese Super League has undergone massive growth over the past three years, with transfer fees and wages on the rise as the battle for domestic and regional supremacy has intensified among wealthy owners.

But while the CFA has sought to keep the rampant spending under control, FIFA Council member Zhang believes his organization has found it a challenge to stay ahead following major reforms.