The Wuhan-based outfit have sensationally withdrawn from the
CSL, after the China Football Association (CFA) handed down a 8,000
yuan (US$1,200) fine and an eight-match suspension to Li
Weifeng.
Li, the former China captain, who also played for his country in
August’s Olympic Games in Beijing, was involved with a brawl with
Beijing Guoan player Lu Jiang in a CSL match played on September
28.
The match ended in a 1-1 raw.
According to reports in China and Hong Kong, the Wuhan
management was incensed by the eight-match ban on Li, as the club
had splashed the cash to sign him.
"We made the decision because we must maintain the club's pride
and be responsible for China's soccer and fans," said a statement
released by Wuhan, which was reported on China Daily.
"We hope that by pulling out of the league, people involved in
soccer will become aware of the problems and help develop the
sport."
Guanggu have been battling relegation this season, remaining
rooted at the foot of the CSL with two wins, six draws and 10
losses from 18 games.
Li’s suspension meant that the ex-Shanghai Shenghua
With the club withdrawing from the CSL, all Wuhan matches will
be turned into 3-0 losses. According to the CFA, a meeting
was held with the other 15 CSL teams, and all parties to agree to
ban Wuhan from the league. In addition, the club will be fined
300,000 yuan (US$44,000)
"We were trying to communicate with the club and hoped it would
come back to the league," Nan Yong, vice president of the CFA, was
quoted as saying by China Daily.
"But all the negotiations failed and we are sorry (for the
result)."
This incident has also sparked a protest in the city of Wuhan,
with Hong Kong newspapers reporting fans marching in protest at
Li’s eight-match ban.
Protest
A Wuhan official added they will be pursuing legal action
against the CFA. Wuhan chairman Shen Liefeng is adamant the club
will not accept the CFA’s decision.
“It is like pouring oil on flames," Shen told China Daily.
"We will definitely seek legal action. We aim to show that the
CFA's ban on Li Weifeng was incorrect."
"Meantime, we will consult with lawyers about the possibility of
suing the CFA,” he said.
“The CFA has the right to ban us and we also have the right to
appeal. We do not accept the fine and will not give one cent to the
CFA."
Chinese football has been under severe criticism by the local
media in recent times, with the professional league suffering from
the lack of sponsorship, amidst talk of corruption and lack of
professionalism.
In international tournaments, China have also underperformed,
leading to fans calling for a change in the administration of the
CFA.