China Launches New Professional Football League, Aims to Revamp Sport's Governance

The establishment of 中足联 marks a crucial step towards the separation of management and operation in Chinese football, a long-awaited reform. The organization's structure comprises a member congress, a council, specialized committees (including a three-level league affairs committee, a discipline and ethics committee, among others), and a secretariat.

中足联's primary responsibilities include organizing and operating various professional leagues, drafting and implementing development plans for professional leagues, and managing club access systems, youth training systems, professional player registration and transfer systems, foreign player systems, and club relocation and equity transfer systems.

Despite the "separation of management and operation" principle, the Chinese Football Association retains 36% of the shares in the Chinese Super League company, and the professional league council has not completely separated from the association. To clarify their respective responsibilities, both parties have formulated a list of tasks and powers.

Recently, 中足联 issued a statement strongly condemning the uncivilized behavior of some fans towards players and their families during the Chinese Super League, vowing to join forces with relevant departments to resolutely combat and crack down on all kinds of provocations, insults, slander, defamation, incitement of opposition, and violence within and outside the stadium, aiming to purify the stadium environment.

The founding of 中足联 has garnered widespread attention, as it is expected to propel China's professional football leagues towards greater professionalism, marketization, and standardization. It seeks to address the long-standing issues plaguing Chinese football, including governance and the elevation of league standards.

In related developments, the 2025 Chinese Football Association Cup has progressed smoothly, with teams such as Shanghai Shenhua, Chengdu Rongcheng, and Beijing Guoan advancing to the next round.

On the international front, public sentiment regarding Chinese football and its governance reflects a mix of frustration, disappointment, and skepticism. Concerns about fairness, integrity, and the influence of politics on football have sparked heated discussions among fans and the general public.

The creation of 中足联 is a critical step towards reforming Chinese football, with implications extending beyond the sport itself. By promoting a more market-driven approach, enhancing club autonomy, and improving industry ethics, 中足联 aims to restore public confidence, foster youth development and grassroots football, and contribute positively to Chinese society.

In a broader context, the reform embodied by 中足联 reflects a political commitment to streamlining governance, reducing corruption, and promoting fairness and integrity in public sectors. As Chinese football embarks on this new journey, the world watches with interest, aware that the beautiful game can be a powerful catalyst for change.