As we approach the deadline for registration audits for the new season, many clubs are working overtime to resolve wage arrears, with Chinese Super League powerhouses such as Wuhan Three Town, Cangzhou Lions and Guangzhou Team particularly prominent. These clubs are on a series of transfer ban lists that make their problems particularly difficult.
Among this group of clubs, Guangzhou team is undoubtedly the most active in dealing with the issue of salary arrears. From the owners to the players, they have spared no effort in raising funds and even organized an offline sale on Dec. 17 to sell club equipment.
Currently, Guangzhou's biggest dilemma is the €1 million in unpaid wages owed to former coach Cannavaro. This is obviously a drop in the bucket if solved by selling goods alone. Guangzhou's current situation is so worrisome that even coach Salvador and three assistant coaches are considering leaving.
Whether Guangzhou team can pass the admission test of the Football Association depends largely on whether Cannavaro can agree to repay the outstanding salary in installments. If the two sides can't come to an agreement, Guangzhou may suffer an embarrassing situation in the new season.
However, it will not be easy for Guangzhou to get Cannavaro to repay his outstanding salary in installments. Since Cannavaro returned to Italy from China, he has not been offered a contract extension at the end of the season after spending some time coaching Serie A side Udinese earlier this year.
Cannavaro, who used to earn 12 million euros a year from Guangzhou, now has no source of income and is naturally reluctant to give up this salary arrears. There is even a rumor that Christmas is coming, Cannavaro may be waiting for this salary arrears as a Christmas gift!
