As the new season of the Chinese Super League draws to a close, the Chongqing team has unexpectedly set off a strike, casting a shadow over its prospects.
It is reported that since the 16th, Chongqing players collectively boycott training, some players to the skipper Zhang Wailong put forward a request to solve the problem of unpaid wages before returning to the training ground. In the face of this thorny situation, Zhang Wailong has no choice but to throw the problem to the management.
Chongqing has always been the center of attention for the industry and fans. Since last year, the club has been frequently rumored to have failed in its share reform and withdrawn from the competition, but all members of the team persevered and managed to survive relegation. However, this year's share reform is still on hold, coupled with unresolved salary arrears for players and staff, which finally triggered the storm.
Club staff, the longest salary arrears has been more than a year, the shortest also has half a year; players, the longest salary arrears even up to 16 months. Some of the players have fallen into the "idle" state, the 16th strike training incident is to disrupt the team's preparation rhythm.
Previously, the Chongqing team had experienced a number of player strikes, and long-term salary arrears had put the players and staff under tremendous pressure to make ends meet. In the equity change, players' promises were not fulfilled and expectations of the prospects and results of the change were sharply reduced. The club's financial situation has become increasingly tight, with the first team running out of money.
If the issue of unpaid wages cannot be resolved before the start of the season, Chongqing will face huge challenges in its operations and the running of its first team. Last Thursday, the club's accounts were frozen due to a lawsuit filed by a departing player. Even if funds subsequently arrive, they will not be able to prioritize payments to first-team players and staff. What is even more frustrating is that Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic has not received any new capital injection so far, and the future source of funding is unknown. Players have experienced long-term salary arrears over the past two years, with promises and unpaid notes being made but not yet honored.
