Korean media outlet GOAL.COM disclosed that the Chinese Super League, after a series of delays, finally kicked off at the beginning of the following month. However, the news did not elicit enthusiasm from domestic fans, but instead triggered some lukewarm negative emotions, who were neither excited nor expectant.
The Chinese Super League is expected to kick off on June 3, with the entire season divided into 34 rounds and played in four stages in sequence. The CFA has decided to allocate the 18 participating teams to three zones, with six teams in each zone. The three zones are Meizhou, Dalian and Haikou. At the end of each stage, the teams within the zones will undergo a three-team changeover.
Nonetheless, fans did not buy this arrangement. As we all know, the Chinese Super League seems to be on a downward spiral in recent years, no longer able to realize its former glory with huge investment.
One fan bluntly said, "I'm no longer interested in the Chinese Super League, I won't watch it anymore." Another fan said in a sarcastic tone, "The Chinese Super League has now become the 60th largest international league." Still other fans criticized, "It's not interesting and there are not many spectators, I'd rather it end sooner."
The first match of the new Chinese Super League season will see last season's champions Shandong Taishan take on Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic in Haikou. Shandong Taishan have South Korean international Sun Junho in their squad, while the Chongqing team is headed by South Korean Zhang Waerong.
