Chinese Professional Football League

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Chinese Professional Football League

中国足球职业联赛联合会
Abbreviation	CFL (中足联)
Formation	23 January 2025; 6 months ago (23 January 2025)
Chairman	Li Kemin
Website	csl-china.com

The Chinese Professional Football League^[a] (Chinese: 中国足球职业联赛联合会; pinyin: Zhōngguó Zúqiú Zhíyè Liánsài Liánhéhuì), abbreviated as CFL (Chinese: 中足联; pinyin: Zhōngzúlián), is an independent federation aimed at operating all levels of China's professional football leagues, overseeing the Chinese Super League (CSL), China League One, and China League Two.^[3] Established in 2025, it replaced the Chinese Football Association (CFA)'s direct management of leagues to improve governance and financial sustainability.^[4]

The CFL was created under China's 2015 football reform plan to decentralize league operations. It manages commercial rights, scheduling, and promotion/relegation, while the CFA retains regulatory powers. The league aims to curb corruption and overspending.

2015: The State Council's "Football Reform Plan" proposes separating league management from the CFA.^{[citation needed]}

2022–2024: Anti-corruption crackdown arrests 13 CFA officials, including former chairman Chen Xuyuan.^{[citation needed]}

2025: CFL officially launches with 56 clubs across three tiers. The inaugural council includes representatives from clubs, media, and legal experts.^{[citation needed]}

The CFL operates three tiers:

1. Chinese Super League (16 teams)

2. China League One (16 teams)

3. China League Two (24 teams): Includes reserve squads (e.g., Shandong Taishan B) and promoted Chinese Champions League teams.

• CFL Coverage on Sohu Sports
• Chinese Football Association