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China Likely to Release Europe-based Players
China is weighing the impact on its seventh bid for the World Cup finals if they release the Europe-based players to their relegation-threatened clubs.
Although the national team is grouped with such minnow teams as Maldives, Cambodia and Indonesia, China has recalled these players despite the reluctance of their clubs.
Both Frankfurt of Bundesliga and England first division Crystal Palace, where Striker Yang Chen and guard Fan Zhiyi plays respectively, are both struggling to avoid relegation.
Aachen of Bundesliga second division, which has tailored its tactics to forward Xie Hui, has no worry of being demoted but they are working for better placing to gain more sponsorship deals next season.
Following the departure of the players, Frankfurt and Crystal Palace are both fighting for the last straw, seeking a compromise that the players could shuttles between club fixtures and international duties.
Though the Chinese Football Association have been adamant in recalling the three players, they do not turn deaf ear to the complaints of the clubs.
Bora Milutinovic, head coach of the national side, suggested on Saturday a possibility that Yang and Fan might come back to the clubs after Sunday's World Cup qualifier against the Maldives in Xi'an.
"After the first group match, we will make final decision on whether to release the players," said Milutinovic. "We will see if the release is in the interest of the national team."
Under the home-and-away format, China will have six matches to play in the group stage. If Yang and Fan get the nod to return, they will miss one or two of the qualifying matches. China will visit the Maldives next week for the return encounter.
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