BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Football fans are allowed to watch the opener of the 2022 Chinese Super League (CSL) inside the stadium as the new season kicks off in June, the organizers confirmed on Saturday.
CSL had planned to restore the home-and-away schedule this season but eventually decided to hold the starting phase of the season in three cities of Meizhou, Haikou and Dalian due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the schedule released on Saturday, the first phase (rounds 1-10) of the CSL will run from June 3 to July 12. During the 40-day span, 18 clubs will play a total of 90 matches.
According to Liu Jun, chairman of the CSL, the opener between Shandong Taishan and Zhejiang will be open to fans on June 3 after discussions with the local government.
The organizers also expect that the local governments of the three host cities will open up important matches to fans.
"We hope to bring more confidence to the sports industry through our efforts," Liu said. "During such special circumstances, the opening of the CSL is of great significance to the whole football industry. The cities involved have also made great efforts and overcome many problems."
The organizers expect the second phase of the season to be held from July 21 to August 21, the third phase from August 30 to September 30 and the fourth phase from October 9 to November 9, all with eight rounds.
"Despite the difficult situation around Chinese football, major sponsors, broadcasters and other partners have given us unyielding support, which has brought vitality and confidence to CSL and Chinese football," said Shi Qiang, one of the top CSL officials. ■
