The Chinese Super League (CSL) has suffered an economic winter in recent years, with formerly famous clubs falling on hard times and choosing to dismantle their licenses. This season, traditional giants such as Shanghai Seaport, Shandong Taishan and Beijing Guoan are also rumored to be in management turmoil, and there are even rumors that Shanghai Seaport may face dissolution by the end of the year. However, thanks to the firm support of their parent companies, both Shanghai Seaport and Guoan have promised to continue to inject funds into the league, injecting a shot in the arm to stabilize the league.
Recently, Beijing Guoan has been abuzz with news about its financial deficits and parent company Zhonghe Group's search for new shareholders, and possibly even a transfer of the club. However, the latest developments show that Zhonghe has no intention of backing out and will continue to provide financial support to the team. Despite the team's failure to qualify for next season's Asian Champions League, Zhonghe's commitment shines a light of hope for the team's future.
Coincidentally, since the end of August, rumors have been swirling that Shanghai Seaport might be abandoned by the group and disbanded at the end of the year. The rumor was in the spotlight at a time when the former group president was arrested and the team's performance was in the doldrums. Fortunately, Shanghai Seaport drew with Shandong Taishan in the 29th round of the league, locking up the CSL title ahead of schedule, and the group subsequently announced additional investment, putting the rumors to rest once and for all.
Although the scale of investment by clubs such as SIPG has shrunk compared to the CSL's golden dollar era, they are still at the top of the league in the current cold climate of soccer. The continued support of these "big" investors will be crucial to the CSL's future development. The fact that Shanghai SIPG and Zhonghe Group have both stated that they will continue to invest in soccer is no doubt a sign of confidence in the CSL. After all, the professional league is going through a period of turmoil and any sudden changes could have unpredictable consequences.
