With the 2022 Chinese Super League (CSL) season coming to an end, Shenzhen finished in 14th place, but looking ahead to the 2023 season, it is still unknown whether they can remain in the CSL. In an in-depth report on Jan. 13, reporter Cheng Wenli revealed the serious challenges facing the Shenzhen soccer team. She pointed out that the team not only has to deal with the pressure of a debt of up to 3.5 billion yuan, but has also failed to get the expected sponsorship support from Li Tie's case. The veteran soccer team, which has been riding on China's soccer scene for 29 years, now seems to be standing at the crossroads of life and death.
In retrospect, the Shenzhen team has been restricted by the CFA from registering new players due to salary and transfer fee arrears. The investor, Jia Zhaoye Group, has also suffered commercial difficulties. Originally, Shenzhen Investment Control wanted to take over the Shenzhen soccer team, but a huge debt of 3.5 billion yuan made this plan out of reach. In fact, this huge sum is a loan provided by Jiazhaoye Group to Shenzhen Football. If all of it is passed on to potential buyers, I'm afraid it will only discourage them.
Such dramas do not seem to be unfamiliar. Previously, a team that had won the Chinese Super League Championship announced its dissolution, the reason behind which was the fact that the owner had invested in the club in the form of loans, resulting in a huge amount of debt. Even though the club was located in one of the top three provinces in China in terms of GDP, it could not escape the fate of dissolution in the end. Today's Shenzhen soccer team is facing a similar predicament. Unless Jiazhaoye Group comes up with a realistic debt relief plan, the future of the team is in doubt.
To make matters worse, the Shenzhen soccer team is also deeply involved in the Li Tie case. Following former international player Zhang Lu, general manager Ding Yong was also taken away for investigation. Up to now, two officials, three active players and former SZFC players have been involved in the investigation. If the truth comes out, this will have a serious impact on the image of Shenzhen Football Club. At that time, investors and sponsors will be away, deep football will be in desperate situation.
