Cloud hangs over Shanghai stars

Drogba, Anelka could be on way out as ownership battle intensifies

The apparently escalating financial problems surrounding Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua have sparked speculation about the departure of the club's superstars.

It has been reported that the team signed a special agreement with striker Didier Drogba that would allow the former Chelsea star to leave the Chinese club unconditionally before Friday. However, Ma Yue, the club's press officer, said the reports were irresponsible in a telephone interview with China Daily on Thursday.

"The content of the contract is commercially confidential and I don't know where the media got such information," Ma said. "There were rumors about other special terms that Drogba could terminate his contract with Shenhua unconditionally if La Liga giant Barcelona wants him and the reality proved it to be a rumor.

"The rumors will die out and the club has no need to respond to them if the media are not responsible in their reporting," he said.

Shenhua has six shareholders - Zhu Jun and five State-owned enterprises. Zhu got 28.5 percent of the club's shares when he signed on in 2007, and the board has agreed to raise his share to 70 percent if he invests no less than 150 million yuan ($23.6 million) over the next three years. However, Zhu was given no more shares, even after he brought Nicolas Anelka and Drogba to the club, and has been covering the duo's salary himself.

Chinese media have reported that Zhu has written to Shenhua's other shareholders, asking them to hand over majority control, otherwise he will start to fund the club according to his own stake or leave at the end of the season.

The Oriental Sports Daily reported the club will publicize the outcome on Friday, while Shanghai Youth Daily fixed the date as Tuesday.

Ma told China Daily no specific date has been set, but said club will make a statement when the issue concludes.

"The two sides are still in negotiations. It's hard to say (whether the change in shareholders will affect the futures of Drogba and Anelka). We have to wait for the result," he said.

tangzhe@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 08/31/2012 page22)