Chinese Super League: ‘no empty stadiums, no shortened season, no extension to 2021,’ say China FA
- ‘Three Nos’ policy will guide any restart with decision to be made in conjunction with health authorities in May
- CSL season was suspended before February start date as country battled coronavirus outbreak
There will be “no empty stadiums, no extending the league into 2021 and no reduced season” in the CFA policy being referred to as the “Three Nos”.
The Sports Weekly newspaper reported that the CFA will make the final decision next week after the May Day holiday, in conjunction with relevant health authorities.
Several problems have been predicted for a full fixture schedule. The climate difference between the north and south means that summer in the south will not be ideal for games – a time when the league is usually on its annual midseason break – while the north becomes too cold from November.
On top of this, assuming that international football returns as scheduled later this year, there will also be national team training camps. Add into the mix the AFC Asian Champions League, which will involve four Chinese Super League teams, and there is a potential headache for the fixture compilers.