Guangzhou FC, recognized as the most prominent soccer team in China’s sporting history, officially ceased operations on Monday due to overwhelming financial struggles.
The club, previously known as Guangzhou Evergrande, found itself unable to fulfill the financial obligations set by the Chinese Football Association, which are necessary for participating in the 2025 league season.
In an official announcement, the club stated, “Due to significant financial pressures stemming from prior seasons, we were unable to settle our debts by the required deadline.” They further expressed heartfelt apologies to their supporters and conveyed their gratitude for the understanding and support from the fan community.
The club had been under the ownership of property developer Evergrande since 2010, which propelled a spending spree that garnered attention globally.
Through the contributions of star players like Brazilian national Paulinho and the expertise of renowned coaches such as Italy’s Marcello Lippi and Brazil’s Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guangzhou achieved remarkable success, securing eight Chinese Super League titles between 2011 and 2019.
They also earned victory in the Asian Champions League in both 2013 and 2015, marking them as a dominant force in Asian soccer during that period.
Following Guangzhou’s lead, numerous clubs began recruiting internationally recognized players, including stars like Carlos Tevez, Nicolas Anelka, Oscar, and Didier Drogba, drawn by the financial allure of the league.
However, in 2021, Evergrande disclosed colossal debts exceeding $300 billion, leading to the departure of key players and ultimately resulting in the club’s relegation to the second tier of Chinese soccer in 2022.
In a related development, on the same day, another Chinese Super League team, Cangzhou Mighty Lions, also announced its disbandment, alongside third-tier team Hunan Billows.
The Chinese Football Association responded by emphasizing the importance of sustainable financial practices for clubs. They stated that a focus on long-term planning, maintaining healthy financial operations, and investing patiently in youth development is vital for establishing a strong future.
They also noted that 49 clubs have been recognized as financially stable enough to compete in the top three tiers of the league system in 2025.
