We bring you the weekly news of all things Chinese football. This week includes multiple players leaving China, some having more successful spells than others. In other news there were rule announcements ahead of the Chinese League 1 season while more than three Chinese League 2 clubs are having problems with the Chinese FA trying to sort out issues only a week before the first game of the season.
Fan Favourite Mbia Moves Away From Hebei
Via social media, Chinese fan favourite Stèphane Mbia announced he was leaving Hebei China Fortune, after spending two seasons at the club scoring 9 goals in 39 appearances. Hebei China Fortune’s announcement of the former Liverpool and Barcelona player Javier Mascherano pretty much spelled the end for Mbia’s time at Hebei due to a foreign player cap. Hopefully Mbia finds a new club soon.
Uruguay And Welsh Squads Announced For China Cup
The China Cup will be held in the next international break with China, the host nation, taking part with Uruguay, Czech Republic and Wales. Both Uruguay and Wales have announced their squads ahead of the mini tournament with both featuring big names. Players such as Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale will all make the trip to China. The tournament will feature two semi finals, a 3rd place play off and a Final. China will face the Welsh while Czech Republic and Uruguay do battle in the other semi final. This will be a good chance for China to show off and hopefully make an impact as a Nation.
We Know The Rules; Or Do We
Just five days before the start of the new Chinese League One campaign, the Chinese FA announced the rules for the 2018 season. Like before two teams will be promoted to the Super League but unlike years previous there will be three teams in the firing line at the bottom of the league. The bottom two sides will automatically be relegated with the 3rd worse side facing the 3rd best side from the Chinese League Two Divisions. They’ll then play in a two legged play off to determine who will be playing in CL1 the next season.
Martinez’s Messy Spell At Evergrande Comes To A Close
After an horrific stay and Guangzhou Evergrande for Jackson Martinez he has finally been relieved of his contract. The 31 year old striker, who they spent over £30 million on, only made 16 appearances for the club scoring only a measly 4. It’s safe to say both parties will be happy with this.
Multiple Mismanagements Lead To CL2 Confusion
Just before the start of the Chinese League Two season, the Chinese FA have decided to deny the registration of four clubs. Chengdu Qianbao, Shanghai JuJusports, Qiqihar Zhongjian and Lhasa Chengtou are the clubs denied. After some dodgy dealings, Chengdu Qianbao’s owner Zhang Xiaolei has found himself in the custody of police while the reasoning for Lhasa Chengtou’s denial is due to the home stadium and youth facilities not meeting up to the criteria wanted by the Chinese FA. Hopefully something can be sorted out as with only days to go it leaves the leagues in quite a bit of mess.
That’s it for this week, after plenty of drama this past week we’ll need a breather I think.
Don’t forget, the CL1 and CL2 campaigns get underway this season while the Super League enters matchday number 2 with Friday’s game being Guangzhou Evergrande vs Changchun Yatai.