China - Super League

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The Chinese Super League, or CSL, is the most competitive football league in China. This league is run by the Chinese Football Association and saw the light in the year 2004. Since then, the CSL has become one of the most followed professional leagues in this country.

Following the format of most European leagues, which the CSL wants to battle by offering huge amounts of money to star players, the league operates under a promotion-relegation system. The two least successful teams after 30 games are relegated to the Chinese League 1, while the team with the most points wins the title. 16 teams begin each Chinese Super League season.

Due to the harsh weather that hits China during the winter, this league kicks off in February and concludes between November and the early days of December. The 2018 season started on March 2 and came to an end on November 11. Shanghai SIPG won their first-ever title, ending Guangzhou Evergrande’s seven-year dominance with a five-point gap between them. On the other side of the table, Changchun Yatai and Guizhou Hengfeng were not able to avoid relegation, which means they will play in the Chinese League 1 in 2019. 

The Chinese Super League also provides access to continental competitions. Three teams earn a spot in the group stage of the AFC Champions League, while one more will fight for their spot in the qualifying rounds. 

The 2019 CSL season begins on March 1, with the last game of the season scheduled to be played on December 1. Shanghai SIPG, Guangzhou Evergrande, Beijing Sinobo and Shandong Luneng earned a spot in the AFC Champions League, although the latter team had to fight for their spot in the preliminary rounds. Wuhan Zail and Zhenzhen FC were promoted from the Chinese League 1 ahead of the 2019 season.

Did you know? Guangzhou Evergrande is the most successful team in the Chinese Super League. The South China Tigers have won seven consecutive titles, which means that they own half of the Chinese Super League trophies since the creation of this league.