Guangzhou Evergrande have given Coach Fabio Cannavaro some time off so he can attend ‘corporate culture study sessions’.

Even though Evergrande top the Chinese Super League by a point, their hierarchy has decided to relieve Cannavaro of his duties for the time being.

That is so he can enrol on a course in Chinese corporate culture, before resuming work at a later date.

In the meantime, club captain Zheng Zhi will act as the World Cup winner’s replacement.

The 46-year-old returned to take charge of Evergrande in 2017, succeeding fellow Italian icon Marcello Lippi.

He is two seasons into a five-year contract, worth €12m per annum, with the Chinese side.

Cannavaro has yet to publicly comment on the situation, nor is there any suggestion that he will be sacked.

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