'Don't run before you can walk'

British sports guru urges restraint in China's soccer cash splash

Barry Hearn, one of Britain's leading sports promoters, is concerned about China's tendency to hire foreign soccer talent, warning that the country should not waste money on "established foreign players" but rather demonstrate the patience necessary to create homegrown superstars.

"Don't grow too quickly," the 70-year-old said in an interview with Xinhua. "Don't rush. You are rushing. When you rush, you create a market that is artificial. You have created a market where you haven't served the grassroots."