This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
Tianjin Tianhai's Abrupt Exit from Chinese Super League ¶
On May 11, 2020, Chinese Super League (CSL) side Tianjin Tianhai, once home to Brazilian star Alexandre Pato and formerly coached by Fabio Cannavaro, submitted an application to withdraw from the CSL for the forthcoming season.
The team, from China's northeast, was reportedly saddled with heavy debts and was set to be replaced in the top division by Roberto Donadoni's Shenzhen FC.
As the new CSL campaign was indefinitely postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the league could now start in late June.
Tianjin Tianhai's fall from grace was swift. They had qualified for the AFC Champions League in 2017 under Italian World Cup-winning captain Cannavaro, coming third in the CSL.
However, their fortunes changed after Quanjian Group's founder was arrested in January 2019, and the club was transferred to the local sports bureau and renamed Tianjin Tianhai.
Despite Vantone stepping in to take over in March, negotiations broke down, and the club's fans were left with uncertainty.
As the Beijing News reported, 'Tianhai drama ends!' marking the end of an era for the CSL team.
