From Spending Millions on World-Class Players to Having 50000+ Attendances: Here’s the Dramatic Collapse of the Fabled Chinese Soccer League

There are more than 200 professional soccer leagues in the world. Among these, the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, etc. are some of the most notable tournaments. They are considered one of the best domestic campaigns that fans enjoy in large numbers. Besides this, the majority of countries have their own leagues.

One such forgotten league is China’s soccer league. Back in the day, it created major havoc in the soccer world and made soccer headlines. It was reckoned to take over soccer’s top divisions; however, as of today, the league has hit rock bottom. Yet it has somehow made a return following the troubling years of the pandemic.

The pandemic had affected the whole world. Everything had been halted, and people were locked inside their houses. Obviously, this also affected the soccer leagues, as all of the sports activities were put on hold. With the passage of time, the government allowed soccer to resume behind closed doors. However, that couldn’t foster the Chinese Super League, as the country struggled a lot. Unfortunately, it became the powerhouse of the pandemic.

Furthermore, the league officials had faced a series of corruption charges and were involved in maneuvers. But one still wonders how the league that was tipped to become a powerhouse of soccer, had to see its worst days.

The collapse of the Chinese soccer league

As soon as the CSL cemented its foot in the soccer world, it attracted a surfeit of soccer stars from Europe. The likes of Paulinho, Carlos Tevez, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Hulk, and Alexandre Pato had helped the league garner large crowds. These soccer stars played for China’s most elite clubs. But soon, their fate somehow changed. This even led to the demolition of many soccer clubs.

COVID can be the first factor that comes to mind, however, there’s more backstory to such a fall. Recently, famous journalist Michael Church gave some of his insights regarding the downfall of CSL. “Previously the CSL was seen as a threat in the international transfer market to the biggest clubs in world football,” said Church.

“Now the game in China is at the other end of the spectrum. All the experienced coaches, World Cup winners like Luiz Felipe Scolari and Marcelo Lippi, lured to the CSL by huge paydays are long gone and the only high-profile players who remain are the small number like Oscar and Marouane Fellaini, who had long-term contracts that are still being honoured.”

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The expert had a solid reason for the fall. “The standard of the domestic players appears not to have improved as much as might have been expected, with some believing the level to have dropped further as the older generation have reached the later stages of their careers or have retired,” he added. Either way, now the competition has finally returned to action.

CSL returned after three years

After a span of more than three years, fans in China will be able to catch the live performance of the league. The league recently made a return to soccer on April 15. They have even kicked off the first matchday of the season. The kickoff saw the return of the spectators in numbers, as recently, in a clash, 50,000 fans turned up for the opening game.

Other fixtures also saw the arrival of soccer fans in numbers. It is quite good to hear, especially following the turbulent days of the league’s executives. This goes back to March when the sports ministry announced probes regarding Wang Xiaoping, director of the Chinese Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee.

The probe was also about Huang Song of the body’s competition department, as both were suspected of serious violations of law and discipline. Moreover, earlier CFA president Chen Xuyuan was reportedly arrested regarding corruption charges. Either way, the league is going through a bit of clinical cleanup.

Moreover, it will be looking to get back on track and finally bring back the league’s glory days. Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on the return of the Chinese Super League? Let us know in the comments.

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