It is widely recognized that the implementation of the ban on off-site transfers in China's professional soccer leagues has been a much less controversial move than the gender-neutral name policy. However, as the operational difficulties of some clubs have intensified, the seven-year ban on off-site relocation and equity transfers has faced a potential full relaxation, with a
China Super League (soccer league)
The NVA will probably be the biggest winners as a result!
On December 12, clubs of China's professional soccer super League A and B received a notice seeking opinions on policies related to the 2024 professional league season. The issue of team title has been controversial, and the transfer of ownership in a different location has also triggered heated debates, even attracting opposition from fans. In fact, there are not many teams that are really eager to change their place of registration to implement the equity transfer, and the most urgent desire comes from the next season.
China Super League (soccer league)
New Armies (modernized Qing armies, trained and equipped according Western standards)
Sichuan Jiuniu
Sichuan Jiuniu
The man behind the soccer club is in control of the
Manchester City
's City Group, of which Chinese Culture is also a shareholder. Many remember Beijing Renhe's frequent relocations that sparked discontent among fans; such vagabond teams often struggle to build a sense of city identity among their fans, lack a stable fan base, and are seen as a means of capturing the city's interest.
On December 14, 2023, Shamrock City Football Club Limited was formally incorporated, with its legal representative and the
Sichuan Jiuniu
Soccer clubs have the same legal representative. This means that even if
Sichuan Jiuniu
Not being able to be the biggest beneficiary of the relaxation of off-site transfers, City Football Group has also been doubly prepared for sustained growth in China's professional soccer sector.
Relocation was a point of controversy in football seven years ago and has resulted in regulations and restrictions. So far, it seems that the move has at least allowed some teams to become more localized and have a more stable fan base. If most clubs were inclined to relocate to cities with more favorable conditions and give up the fan base they once had, the consequences would be unimaginable.
In recent years, the operation of China's professional clubs has sparked discussions on whether to liberalize or not to liberalize off-site relocation, but decisions on this provision have been repeatedly postponed due to the chaos of Chen Xuyuan, Du Zhaocai and others.
If the CFA really adjusts its policy drastically and decides to liberalize relocation and lift the seven-year-long restriction, wouldn't this be a slap in the face?
