A Super season like no other

Testing times

Record ratings were unimaginable back in February when the CSL was forced to postpone due to the pandemic. After a hiatus of about half a year, the CFA finally obtained government approval to kick off the season behind closed doors in July, with the 16 teams split into two groups based in Suzhou and Dalian, Liaoning province.

Safety has always been the top priority for the CFA, with comprehensive epidemic prevention methods adopted in both cities. Players, coaches, referees and key staff members were assigned to blue zones which were under strict lockdown, with no contact with the outside world allowed. They also faced frequent body temperature checks, nucleic acid and coronavirus antibody tests.

Thanks to China's control of the epidemic and these strict measures, participants in the season were assured of a safe environment. CSL general manager Dong Zheng rated the entire effort an eight out of ten.

"We achieved what we planned to do. In the beginning, it still required more efforts and better cooperation among the various parties. But later in the season everything went very smoothly," Dong told Xinhua. "This has been a great test of our organizational ability."

Just days before the opening match in late July, a fresh outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Dalian had cast doubt over the kickoff. However, organizers' exhaustive preparations paid off and the lockdown area remained totally secure.

Recalling those pressurized days, Dong said he had total confidence in the CSL's measures to deal with all emergencies. He felt "relieved" when the season finally started and thought "the return of the CSL was truly great news for Chinese soccer".

The shortened window to stage the season prompted the CSL to adopt a two-phase, tournament-style format. The 16 teams were initially split into two groups to play a round-robin format in the host cities.

Based on the first-phase results, teams then entered a championship group and a relegation group to decide the final standings. CFA president Chen says fans can expect more of the same next term.

"Based on the current situation of the pandemic, I personally think the next CSL season will continue to use the tournament style," said Chen.

"If we go back to home-and-away style, it would be very risky for the league if there are new coronavirus cases in different cities. Now we have a full set of tried-and-tested methods and experience of the tournament-style season. Of course, though, there will be changes even if we stick with the tournament format for next season."