China’s Football Crisis: Empty Coffers, Managerial Turmoil, and a Nation’s Frustration

The Budget Meltdown: How Did China’s Football Association Go Broke?

Did you know? Just a few years ago, Chinese football was splashing cash on world-class players and coaches, aiming to become a global powerhouse. But as of June 2025, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) is facing an unprecedented financial crisis. Multiple reports from Sohu and Dongqiudi confirm that the CFA’s budget for the national team coaching staff has been slashed to just €1-1.2 million for the entire staff, a figure that’s laughably low by international standards. This means even moderately successful European coaches aren’t interested, and negotiations with world-renowned managers are out of reach. The CFA’s financial woes are so severe that they can’t even consider hiring a high-profile manager, let alone offer competitive salaries.

Managerial Carousel: From Ivankovic to Djordjevic – Why No One Wants the Job

After China’s disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign, Branko Ivankovic was sacked on June 13, 2025. His contract, already a third of what he earned in Oman, was terminated without compensation. The CFA quickly turned to Philippe Djordjevic, former U-20 national team coach, as interim manager for the upcoming East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship. The coaching budget for this tournament is so tight that the entire staff must share a pot of just €1-1.2 million. Even young, ambitious European coaches aren’t tempted by these terms, and the CFA’s reputation for instability only makes things worse.

World Cup Dreams Shattered: Another Painful Exit

China’s hopes were high for the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Asia’s qualification slots nearly doubled. But the national team crashed out in the third qualifying round, finishing fifth in Group C with just three wins and seven losses. The final blow came with a 0-1 defeat to Indonesia, a result that sparked outrage among fans and pundits alike. Over nine matches, China conceded 20 goals – the worst defensive record in the group. This failure, despite the favorable odds, has been called one of the darkest chapters in Chinese football history.

Fan Reactions: Despair, Sarcasm, and Calls for Disbandment

Chinese social media and football communities have exploded with anger and sarcasm. On platforms like Sina, Weibo, and Naver blogs, fans are calling for the disbandment of both the national team and the CFA. Typical comments include, “Disband the team, stop embarrassing us,” and “Why are there still people watching this?” Others blame the CFA’s leadership, demanding resignations and a complete overhaul. Some fans express resignation, saying, “Losing is normal, winning would be a miracle.” The mood is overwhelmingly negative, with over 80% of comments expressing frustration or ridicule, and only a handful urging patience or long-term reform.

The Cultural Context: Why This Crisis Hurts So Much

For outsiders, it’s crucial to understand that football is more than just a sport in China—it’s a matter of national pride. President Xi Jinping has made football development a state priority, aiming to transform China into a football superpower by 2050. The government’s ambitious plans included building 50,000 football academies and recruiting top international talent. But the reality is a stark contrast: poor grassroots development, a lack of homegrown stars, and a culture of quick fixes have led to repeated failures. This disconnect between ambition and reality fuels the intense disappointment seen today.

Why Big Names Won’t Come: The Salary Cap and Reputation Trap

The CFA’s financial troubles aren’t new. Since 2021, strict salary caps have been imposed on both domestic and foreign players, with individual salaries for foreign coaches capped at €3 million. The current offer for the national team coach is less than half that. When Ivankovic was hired, he accepted a voluntary pay cut just to get the job, while other candidates like Carlos Queiroz and Vladimir Petkovic declined due to low offers or lack of Asian experience. The CFA’s reputation for instability and interference also scares off potential candidates, making it nearly impossible to attract proven winners.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Chinese Football?

With the EAFF E-1 Championship looming in July in Korea, China faces a crossroads. The interim coach, Djordjevic, must rally a demoralized squad with minimal resources. Meanwhile, the CFA is under pressure to find a permanent manager who can rebuild from the ground up. There’s talk of considering Korean or other Asian coaches, but nationalistic sentiment and budget constraints make this unlikely. The focus is shifting to long-term youth development, but fans are skeptical after years of broken promises.

Community Voices: What Are Chinese Fans Really Saying?

On Naver and Daum, blog posts and comment sections are filled with biting humor and harsh criticism. One fan joked, “Put a donkey in goal, it would do better than our keeper!” Others lament the endless cycle of managerial changes and failed reforms. Some call for patience and a focus on the 2030 World Cup, but most express deep cynicism. The consensus is clear: without radical change in leadership, investment, and philosophy, Chinese football will remain in crisis.

A Lesson for Global Fans: Ambition Isn’t Enough

If you’re following Chinese football from abroad, the key takeaway is this: money and ambition alone can’t buy success. Without solid grassroots development, stable leadership, and realistic expectations, even the world’s biggest markets can fall short. China’s football crisis is a cautionary tale for any nation dreaming of rapid transformation. For now, fans are left hoping that this latest low point will finally spark the real reform the sport so desperately needs.