With the transfer of the Group A tournament to Sharjah, UAE, the arrangement of the remaining fixtures of the Chinese Super League has become particularly critical, which is not only related to the preparatory team of the Chinese Football Association and the Federation of Football Clubs, but also the focus of attention of many soccer fans. According to the Beiqing-Beijing headline reporter, affected by the epidemic and other factors, the national football team may not be able to return home immediately after the last match of the Top 40 on the evening of June 15th. The preparatory group for this has prepared a number of sets of plans to deal with emergencies, the league restart is expected to be the fastest to the second half of July.
In addition to Suzhou, which will continue to host the tournament, Guangzhou has not been ruled out for now. But if Guangzhou can't continue to host the tournament due to force majeure factors, Dalian, as last year's Chinese Super League venue, is expected to be the preferred replacement.The final match of Group A of the 40-team tournament, the national football team and Syria's match will be held on June 15 at 9:00 p.m. local time, and the earliest possible time for the national football team to return to the country is expected to be on the 16th of local time.
Due to the seriousness of the international epidemic situation, the national football group rivals Maldives, Syria, the Philippines team have players infected with the new crown, members of the national football delegation to return to their home countries need to undergo a physical examination, and need to obtain a "green code of health" in order to board the plane. Therefore, the return time of the national football team may be later than 16th.
According to the epidemic prevention regulations, the entry of overseas personnel is subject to strict medical examination and medical isolation observation. The CFA and the preparatory team need to formulate a plan for this. The restart of the sixth round of the first phase of the league, which was originally scheduled to start on June 21, has been definitively postponed for the reasons mentioned above.
Considering the recovery time and condition adjustment of the international players after isolation, the restart of the league may have to wait until late July. Sources close to the matter said that although this timetable has not been officially confirmed, it is the earliest possible start time after comprehensive consideration. Once a new situation arises, the restart of the league may be further delayed until August.
In addition to the restart time, the race venue and race format are also key. The preparatory team is paying close attention to the epidemic situation and epidemic prevention work in Guangzhou, which may not be able to continue hosting the event due to concerns about the epidemic. The relocation of the tournament involves more complicated issues, including human, material and financial inputs, as well as competition arrangements, venue conditions, etc., so the preparatory team is cautious about this matter.
As for the tournament system, the Preparatory Group has not yet made a final decision as the national soccer team is working hard for the Top 12. Even if the national soccer team advances, the schedule and format of the 12-team tournament have not yet been finalized, so the FA and the preparatory team need to pay close attention to various situations and be ready to respond flexibly. Once the league is postponed to late July or even later, a tight schedule and change in the format will be a probable event.
Dalian Jinzhou Stadium is expected to be an alternative venue for the Chinese Super League.
In the face of possible extreme circumstances, the preparatory team has been prepared. From the current situation, Dalian can meet the requirements for hosting the tournament in all aspects, and has the potential to become the "first alternative tournament of the Chinese Super League".
Regarding the tournament system, the preparatory group has not yet made a final decision. After the national football team has advanced, considering that the schedule and system of the 12-team tournament have not yet been finalized, the Football Association and the preparatory team need to continuously pay attention to various situations and be ready to make flexible adjustments. Once the league is postponed to late July or even later, the tightening of the schedule and the change of the tournament system will become a probable event.
