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Chinese Football Kicks Off Reforms
The Chinese Football League (CFL) will undertake substantial reform in preparation for the 2002 World Cup.
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced Thursday, December 14, that no teams will be relegated next season in all three levels of the league (First Division Group A, First Division Group B and the Second Division). Meanwhile, two teams each from the First Division Group B and Second Division will be promoted, which will increase Group A to 16 teams. The number of teams in Group B will remain at 12.
In 2002, there will be no promotion in the league and two teams from First Division Group A will be relegated, which will mean First Division Group A and Group B both have 14 teams.
In 2003, the First Division Group A will be reorganized to the Super League and Group B will become the First Division. The Second Division will remain as before.
The reforms are expected to enable players in the national team to concentrate on training for the 2002 World Cup. The CFA said they would also improve the CFL system and enable Chinese football to develop smoothly and healthily.
China failed to qualify for the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Source: chinadaily.com.cn
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