Disaster for Dalian Professional as debt forces it to disband

In what will be seen as another blow to the country's beleaguered domestic game, Dalian Professional, an iconic Chinese Super League club, announced on Wednesday that it is to disband due to financial difficulties.

"After great effort by joint parties, we still cannot solve the club's historical debt problem, and we are unable to maintain the regular operation of the club. The club failed to pass the necessary thresholds for league admission for the 2024 season. It's a pity, but we are no longer able to fight together with our fans and supporters anymore," read the club's statement.

"We are grateful to the friends who have followed and supported us. And we want to extend our deepest thanks to all our fans! The blossom will eventually turn into dirt, and the rain will drop into river and sea."