Guangzhou FC, the most successful football club in China’s history, has disbanded after failing to resolve its financial obligations. The club, formerly Guangzhou Evergrande, announced it could not meet the Chinese Football Association’s (CFA) financial entry requirements for the 2025 season.
“Due to heavy financial burdens from previous seasons, the club could not pay off all the debt by the deadline,” the club stated. “We sincerely apologise to our supporters and appreciate their understanding and forgiveness.”
Acquired by property giant Evergrande in 2010, Guangzhou dominated the Chinese football landscape, securing eight Chinese Super League (CSL) titles between 2011 and 2019 and clinching the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League twice, in 2013 and 2015.
Lavish spending on star players like Brazilian midfielder Paulinho and Colombian striker Jackson Martínez, as well as celebrated coaches such as Marcello Lippi and Luiz Felipe Scolari, fueled their meteoric rise.
However, Evergrande’s financial collapse, with debts exceeding $300 billion, led to Guangzhou’s relegation to China League One in 2022 and ultimately its disbandment.
Guangzhou is not alone in its demise. CSL team Cangzhou Mighty Lions and third-tier Hunan Billows have also folded after failing to meet the CFA’s financial criteria for 2025.
The CFA has urged clubs to adopt sustainable financial practices, invest in youth development, and prioritize long-term stability to safeguard the future of Chinese football.
“Only by setting sights on the long term, keeping the financial operation in a healthy status and investing in youth with patience should clubs build a robust future,” the CFA added in a statement.
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