Is the future of Chinese soccer still mired in the mire, and can it repeat the dramatic changes of 13 years ago? The answer may not be absolute. While fans are bitter about the current state of affairs, their anger is largely directed at the FA, which is eager to see a repeat of the changes that took place in the winter of 2022, undoubtedly the darkest time for Chinese soccer in nearly a decade. Let's wait and see what happens.
Looking back to 2009, the anti-gambling storm in Chinese soccer shocked the industry. In the following year, Evergrande Group took over the Guangzhou team and plunged into the Chinese League One in a way that was mind-boggling. With its rapid momentum and unique management style, Evergrande was successfully promoted to the Chinese Super League, kicking off the prelude to the Evergrande dynasty. Evergrande has provided its fans with countless hours of joy. Although its contribution to the progress of Chinese soccer is still controversial, it cannot be denied that the status of the Chinese Super League in the hearts of fans around the world during those years is unparalleled.
As Chinese soccer hits rock bottom again, we can't help but ask: will it be reborn in 2023 and 2024? Admittedly, the outlook is not optimistic, but there is no need to be overly pessimistic. The players may not be top-notch, but they are not without merit.
Stepping into 2023, Chinese soccer is expected to usher in a ray of hope as the gloom of the epidemic dissipates and the Li Tie incident hits. The performance of the Chinese Super League and even the national team may bring unexpected surprises to fans. However, all of this presupposes that the FA can learn from past mistakes and adjust its strategies, such as restoring the naming rights of teams, or even using this opportunity to build a real professional league system?
