In the mid-2010’s, China, one of the rising superpowers in the world, stood tall to stake their claim in football as well.The Chinese Super League was backed by a ton of both state and private investment, which meant clubs were allowed to become spendthrifts. And indeed, the league managed to attract some of the most established names in world football, including Oscar, Carlos Tevez, and Hulk.

However, within a short period, the government realised that the amount of money they were pumping into their football ecosystem was not sustainable and that the structure wasn’t well suited for more domestic talent to come through. As a result, in 2017, a salary cap of 3 million euros per year for foreign players was put in place. Additionally, clubs were allowed to spend no more than 72 million euros per year on players’ salaries. Understandably, there was an exodus of superstars, and the interest in the league from fans around the world began to dwindle.

Today, the Chinese Super League no longer attracts interest from around the world and is largely looked at as a league whose fall was as abrupt as its rise was surprising.

The Chinese Super League (CSL) has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, morphing from a gold mine for established European football stars to a cautionary tale of unsustainable practices. Its meteoric rise in the mid-2010s, fueled by eye-watering spending on marquee signings, has given way to a sobering reality of financial restrictions and dwindling popularity.

The Chinese Super League Golden Era: Big Money and Global Football Stars

In the heady days of the mid-2010s, the CSL was a land of footballing El Dorado. Clubs like Guangzhou Evergrande, backed by vast financial resources, lured some of the biggest names in world football with astronomical salaries that dwarfed even those offered by top European clubs. Oscar, who bagged €24 million, Hulk, who put on a whopping £320,000 per week, and Carlos Tevez, who was making an astonishing $820,000 a week, were just a few of the marquee signings that made headlines and sent shockwaves through the footballing world.

This influx of talent undoubtedly boosted the league's profile and attracted international attention. The CSL became a regular fixture on global sports channels, and attendances soared as fans flocked to see their footballing heroes in action. However, amidst the glitz and glamour, a storm was brewing.

Unsustainable Practices and the Government's Crackdown

The lavish spending proved unsustainable in the long run. The Chinese government, concerned about the potential economic bubble and the lack of development for domestic talent, stepped in to curb the excesses. In 2017, they implemented strict financial regulations, including:

• Salary caps: Foreign players' salaries were capped at €3 million per year, while domestic players were limited to 5 million yuan (approximately €600,000).
• Spending restrictions: Clubs were limited to spending a total of 600 million yuan (approximately €72 million) per year on salaries.
• Transfer restrictions: A 100% tax was imposed on transfers exceeding 45 million yuan (£4.95 million) for foreign players and 20 million yuan (£2.2 million) for domestic players.

These measures had a dramatic impact on the CSL. Big-name players, no longer enticed by the astronomical salaries, began to depart. Clubs, struggling under the financial restrictions, cut back on spending and investment. The exodus of stars and the decline in quality led to a drop in attendance and viewership. The league's once-dazzling aura faded, replaced by a sense of stagnation and disillusionment.

Lessons Learned and a Path Forward

The fall of the Chinese Super League serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring leagues around the world. It highlights the dangers of unchecked spending and the importance of building a sustainable foundation for long-term success. While the league's ambition to compete with the best was admirable, its reliance on quick fixes and exorbitant salaries ultimately proved its undoing.

However, the CSL's struggles also present an opportunity for growth. The league has shifted its focus towards developing domestic talent and fostering a more sustainable financial model. The emphasis on youth academies and grassroots programmes is essential for building a strong core of Chinese players who can compete at the highest level. Additionally, responsible financial management and increased investment in infrastructure are crucial for long-term stability.

The revival of the Chinese Super League will not be an easy task. It will require time, patience, and a commitment to sustainable practices. However, if the league can learn from its past mistakes and embrace a more balanced approach, it has the potential to rise again and become a major force in the global football landscape.

Source: Express