Chinese soccer on messy ground

Perhaps Chinese soccer fans are the most tolerant in the world.

Their joy knows no bounds when the China wins, because victory has always been an elusive luxury for the mediocre national men's team of talented but unprofessional players. And they keep their frustrations in check when China loses and, without complaining much, pin their hopes on the next game.

But even the staid and tolerant fans could not remain silent after China's shameful 1-5 loss to Thailand in a friendly at home last month. Surprisingly, their anger is directed more at what followed the humiliating defeat than the defeat itself.

After deciding to sack chief national coach Jose Antonio Camacho, the Chinese Football Association realized it would have to pay more than 50 million yuan ($8 million) to him as compensation and about 25 million yuan in taxes, according to media reports. Camacho, former Spain and Real Madrid boss, was appointed on an annual pay of $3.5 million two years ago. But China won only seven (and lost 11) of the 20 games it played under him. Besides, the Chinese men's team also failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals. In fact, it was eliminated in Asia's first qualifying round last year.

The CFA has, of course, said the compensation for terminating Camacho's contract will be less than that reported - but it will still be huge. Since the CFA is a de facto government organization run on public funds, people have the right to know exactly how much taxpayers' money will be paid to Camacho and who should be held responsible for squandering public money.