The Chinese top flight was initially scheduled to resume on the 22nd of February but was unable to due to the coronavirus pandemic. China was one of the most affected countries and also appeared to record one of the earliest cases of the global virus.
As has been done in some other countries such as Brazil, the Chinese Super League will resume in a selected two cities to prevent any possible spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
Suzhou, in south China’s Jiangsu Province, and Dalian, in the northern Liaoning Province have been chosen as the two cities to do so.
“To satisfy people’s eager anticipation for the restoration of the CSL, the CFA decided that the 2020 CSL will kick-start on July 25 in Suzhou and Dalian,” the CFA said in a statement on Wednesday, along with newly released posters showing the slogan “To inspire millions of hearts.”
As has been the case with European leagues and other leagues globally, the Chinese top-flight would also resume behind closed doors.
Normally, the CSL season runs from early March to October/November. But as it stands, the CFA have vowed not to extend the season to next year. Meaning there might not be enough time for the season to be completed as under normal circumstances.
That all but means the competition could resume with a special format as speculated by reports from the Chinese media. However, it has not been confirmed officially by the CFA.
In addition, the Chinese Super League will open its second transfer window of the season from July 2 to July 29, while the third window will cover the entire month of September.
