The Chinese Professional Football League[a] (Chinese: 中国足球职业联赛联合会; pinyin: Zhōngguó Zúqiú Zhíyè Liánsài Liánhéhuì), abbreviated as CFL (Chinese: 中足联; pinyin: Zhōngzúlián), is an independent federation aimed at operating all levels of China's professional football leagues, overseeing the Chinese Super League (CSL), China League One, and China League Two.[3] Established in 2025, it replaced the Chinese Football Association (CFA)'s direct management of leagues to improve governance and financial sustainability.[4]
The CFL was created under China's 2015 football reform plan to decentralize league operations. It manages commercial rights, scheduling, and promotion/relegation, while the CFA retains regulatory powers. The league aims to curb corruption and overspending.
History
2015: The State Council's "Football Reform Plan" proposes separating league management from the CFA.[citation needed]
2022–2024: Anti-corruption crackdown arrests 13 CFA officials, including former chairman Chen Xuyuan.[citation needed]
2025: CFL officially launches with 56 clubs across three tiers. The inaugural council includes representatives from clubs, media, and legal experts.[citation needed]
League structure
The CFL operates three tiers:
1. Chinese Super League (16 teams)
2. China League One (16 teams)
3. China League Two (24 teams): Includes reserve squads (e.g., Shandong Taishan B) and promoted Chinese Champions League teams.
Footnotes
References
- ^ "China to establish professional football league union, says CFA chief". chinadailyhk. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
- ^ "重磅：职业联盟全面夺权足协 不能任其成自由王国". www.titan24.com. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
- ^ "China establishes independent federation to run professional football leagues".
- ^ "中足联负责人：职业联赛管办分离改革迈出实质性步伐". www.jfdaily.com. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
External links
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| League system |
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