China: the CFA (football federation) confirms its independence from the central government

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) is now independent of the State General Administration of Sports -- the public, government-run body in charge of sport in China -- announced the CFA to several local newspapers on 24/02/2016. This information was confirmed to News Tank Football on 25/02/2016.

The Chinese federation has become autonomous in the areas of finance and marketing, in the management of personnel and salaries and in the organisation of trips and matches abroad. It also now has the power to appoint the head manager of the national team (currently Gao Hongbo as of 25/02/2016).

The independence of the football federation was one of the measures in the Chinese football reform plan, promoted by the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, and unveiled on 16/03/2015. These reforms aim to turn China into a major player in world football. Additionally, a clear separation between the federation and the government is necessary for China to potentially bid to organise major football tournaments in the future.

The administrative organisation of Chinese football

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