After the ups and downs of the Chinese soccer world, when the dark current surging, former international player Gao Hongbo resolutely stepped forward, once again waving the flag that symbolizes the Chinese soccer. According to an official release from the State General Administration of Sports, Gao Hongbo has not only taken on a heavy responsibility, but has also done two things at once, once again becoming the center of public attention. This return to the stage is undoubtedly the highest praise for his not having been involved in the Li Tie incident.
Going back to the eve of the World Cup in Qatar last year, the mysterious disappearance of Li Tie, a former international player and former Chinese men's soccer manager, lifted a veil and exposed the deep-rooted problems of Chinese soccer. Subsequently, an anti-corruption storm was ushered into the Chinese soccer world, with more than thirty soccer personalities being taken away for investigation or assisting in the investigation in just a few months. Even the Chinese Football Association (CFA) Chairman Chen Xuyuan, Secretary General and Vice Chairman Du Zhaocai have been announced to be under investigation, the top management of the CFA is almost completely wiped out.
In this turbulent storm, Gao Hongbo and Sun Wen are like a fresh stream. This refreshing presence is especially precious in the turbulent environment. As a result, Gao Hongbo's performance has been highly recognized by the leadership of the General Administration of Sport. Recently, the State General Administration of Sports announced that Gao Hongbo has been given a new mission to formally assume the heavy responsibility of the CFA. This is both good news and a positive signal for Chinese soccer.
When Chen Xuyuan, the president of the CFA, was taken away for investigation, many fans called for Gao Hongbo to take over the presidency. Although Gao Hongbo failed to replace Chen Xuyuan as the new CFA chairman due to his seniority and age, his importance as an important pillar of the CFA has become even more apparent, especially after many top leaders were taken away. Not long ago, the State General Administration of Sports (SGA) announced that Gao Hongbo had been given a new position and major responsibilities. According to media reports, in order to ensure the smooth running of the CFA, the State General Administration of Sports has set up a seven-member working group led by deputy director Li Yingchuan, of which Gao Hongbo, as a member, shoulders the important responsibility of revitalizing Chinese soccer.
Soon after Gao Hongbo officially took up his new post, a change in the division of labor came about. a seven-member working group was stationed at the FA, which rearranged the division of labor among the leadership. Gao Hongbo, who focuses on youth training and is seldom exposed, is now directly responsible for two key departments, namely the refereeing and competition departments. The importance of these two departments is self-evident. In Chinese soccer, the refereeing issue has always been the focus of fans' attention and the source of controversy. The fact that Gao Hongbo is in charge of refereeing portends that he will once again be at the center of fans' attention. More than a decade ago, Gao Hongbo was in charge of the national soccer team in a time of crisis and led the team in the campaign, which was loved by the fans. Now, in the dark moments of the soccer world, Gao Hongbo once again stepped forward to shoulder the heavy responsibility. We expect Gao Hongbo to stick to his original intention and continue to contribute to the cause of soccer in China.
