The new Chinese Super League season will kick off on June 3 if the timing is right. However, before the feast even begins, Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic is facing a possible shutdown due to a debt quagmire that could lead to their exit from the Super League stage. Training has been suspended, and although the players have said they are willing to waive their salary arrears until April 2021 to help the club tide over the difficulties, the plight remains deep. Inside sources have revealed that Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic may not be able to return to the game and may soon announce its suspension.
Due to long-term salary arrears, Chongqing's team recently erupted into a strike storm, and on May 18th, a striking payroll banner was hung in front of the club, sparking widespread public concern. Currently, the players are generally owed more than a year, and the longest even reaches 16-18 months. Long-term salary arrears have had a serious impact on the players' lives, with some players having to sell their properties and vehicles, and club employees even going out to deliver takeaways to make ends meet. Despite a joint open letter from the team's coaches and players expressing their willingness to give up part of their salaries, the contemporary group, which is in financial difficulties, is still unable to save them.
On May 21st, the Contemporary Group issued a written note, which was forwarded by Wei Xin, the leader of the Chongqing team. The note mentioned, if the two rivers group of 50 million sponsorship can be in place, the team can participate; otherwise, the contemporary group will immediately stop the club operation. In addition, since the contemporary group involved in Chongqing soccer, has invested about 3 billion, is currently facing a huge debt risk, it is difficult to protect themselves.
The Contemporary Group suggested that the Chongqing Municipal Government and Sports Bureau take over the club temporarily, emphasizing that "the sponsorship money from the Two Rivers Group is the key to the team's participation".
As to whether Chongqing Football Club can continue to operate, the official has not yet made a statement. However, according to rumors, the situation is not optimistic. The Chongqing Municipal Sports Bureau may not be able to take over the club due to its own limited capacity, and the Chongqing team seems to be in a desperate situation, and the news of the shutdown may be announced soon.
Lumi, a soccer journalist who has long followed the Chongqing team, also expressed pessimism about the club's prospects. She took to social media to call on the players to find a new team and urged the staff to take labor arbitration measures. Her words revealed her concern over the fate of the Chongqing club.
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has now scheduled the Chinese Super League fixtures. If Chongqing ends up out of action, the match in question will be won 3-0 by the opposition and a special transfer window may be opened by the Football Association to help Chongqing players find new owners before the start of the league.
