Finally, the results of that much-anticipated review of access to the new season of China's professional soccer leagues have been unveiled, as if they were heavy bombs, sparking a frenzy of discussion among fans. The CFA released the first list of preliminarily verified clubs, which have neither salary arrears nor debt. However, after the list was released, there were a few surprising clubs absent from it.
Undoubtedly, it is the status of the 16 clubs in the Chinese Super League that has received the most attention. As expected from Wuhan Three Town and Cangzhou Lions, they did not appear on the FA's first list. Inexplicably, Zhang Bing, a lawyer, recently revealed that Zhang Yan, who did not sign the salary and bonus confirmation form, and his Chengdu Rongcheng club magically appeared on the first list.
Taishan Evening News' reporter Niu Zhiming also disclosed on his personal social media that some players have expressed their dissatisfaction with the list. Niu noted, "This is just a public list and some players were surprised to see it. Why didn't they sign? Why didn't many of their teammates sign? Why are they liable for arrears? Some players have even submitted materials to the FA."
Attorney Bing Zhang, who is representing many of the players, was quick to speak out on social media, stating clearly, "This is not a legal list. If any clubs were mixed into the first list, it must be that they did not declare truthfully."
Lawyer Zhang Bing pacified everyone by saying that he had in his hands a valid decision made by the Football Association before October 31, 2024, and that he had in his hands a number of hard evidence of unsigned players.
As soon as the FA announced the first batch of debt settlement list, it triggered so much controversy. Now that the authenticity of the first batch of lists is still in doubt, I wonder how many clubs will make it through when the final access list is announced.
