According to official news from the Chinese Professional Football League, the 2028 season of Chinese Football League 1 will be expanded from 16 teams to 18 teams.
While keeping the size of the Chinese Football Super League and Chinese Football League 2 unchanged, the number of participating teams in Chinese Football League 1 will be increased from 16 to 18 for the 2028 season, forming a pyramid structure of 16 teams in the Chinese Football Super League, 18 teams in Chinese Football League 1, and 24 teams in Chinese Football League 2.
Chengdu Rongcheng missed SEVEN chances to clinch the Chinese Super League title…
① Sep 6: Henan 0–0 Chengdu — A win would have sealed the title.
② Oct 10: Chengdu 0–1 Tianjin — A draw would have been enough.
③ Oct 11: Qingdao West Coast 0–4 Dalian — Dalian dropping points would have sealed Chengdu's title.
④ Oct 17: Dalian 3–1 Shenzhen — Same scenario.
⑤ Oct 18: Shanghai Port 3–0 Chengdu — A draw would have been enough.
⑥ Oct 24: Chengdu 0–1 Dalian — A draw would have been enough.
⑦ Nov 8: Shandong 3–2 Chengdu — One final draw would have sealed the title.
Seven missed opportunities. Dalian Yingbo crowned champions instead.
The Chinese Professional Football League (CFL) has issued the Implementation Rules for the Financial Health Audit of Chinese Professional Football League Clubs (Trial), which will take effect on January 1, 2027. The annual total expenditure ceiling for Chinese Super League (CSL) clubs, along with the salary limits for domestic players and foreign players, will continue to follow the previously established standards.
According to the rules, a CSL club's annual total expenditure must not exceed 600 million RMB. The maximum pre-tax annual salary for an individual domestic player is capped at 5 million RMB, with the average pre-tax salary limit set at 3 million RMB.
Regarding foreign players, the pre-tax annual salary cap for an individual CSL foreign player remains at 3 million euros, and the total annual pre-tax salary cap for foreign players is set at 10 million euros.
If a club chooses to calculate the salaries of naturalized players according to the standard for foreign players, the relevant total salary cap will be 12 million euros, provided that the portion for non-naturalized foreign players still does not exceed 10 million euros.
These limits are consistent with the Financial Agreement Indicators released by the CFL in December 2025, and no adjustments were made in these new rules.
Yang Hansen: One Play at a Time
Titan Sports Exclusive Interview
The Portland Trail Blazers cruised to a 112-90 road win over the Utah Jazz on November 1 (Beijing time), with Yang Hansen logging 13 minutes off the bench. The rookie center finished with 6 points and 5 rebounds, shooting an impressive 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.
After the game, Titan Sports caught up with Yang to discuss his performance, his second-quarter appearance and the advice he received from his teammates.
Titan Sports: You got around 13 minutes on the floor today and finished with 6 points and 5 rebounds. How would you assess your performance? What do you think you did particularly well?
Yang Hansen: I still have a lot to work on when it comes to making decisions in the paint. I also need to get better at reading the game. I need to develop better chemistry with my teammates on the court as quickly as possible and find ways to contribute to the team.
Titan Sports: What were you most pleased with, then?
Yang paused for a moment before breaking into his trademark smile.
Yang Hansen: I'd say it was alright. All of it was alright. Haha.
Titan Sports: You got on the floor as early as the second quarter today. Did you expect that before the game, or were you told at the last minute that you would be coming on?
Yang Hansen: It was a last-minute decision. We just follow the coach's instructions. Once we're out there, we do our best to help the team.
Titan Sports: Donovan Clingan and Toumani Camara were both encouraging you throughout the game. Camara, in particular, had quite a bit to say to you in the fourth quarter. What were they telling you?
Yang Hansen: They told me not to dwell on the previous possession, whether I'd been blocked or whatever had happened, but to focus on the next one. They also told me to keep competing, fight for every rebound and give it everything I've got.
CSL Round 29 🚨
Chengdu Rongcheng 0-1 Dalian Yingbo
Felipe won a penalty but missed from the spot, while Liu Weiguo produced a string of stunning saves in the first half. After the break, Mamadou headed home the winner, and Hu Hetao had a goal ruled out for offside.
Chengdu's title hopes dealt another blow — no early crowning again. 💔
#CSL #ChengduRongcheng #DalianYingbo
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced on its official website on the morning of October 23 that Ante Milicic would no longer serve as head coach of the Chinese women’s national team.
The CFA’s statement read:
“Following friendly communication and consultations between both parties, and taking into consideration Mr. Ante Milicic’s personal and family circumstances, the Chinese Football Association has decided that Mr. Milicic will step down as head coach of the Chinese women’s national team. His foreign coaching staff will also depart.
“The Chinese Football Association thanks Mr. Ante Milicic and his coaching staff for their hard work during their tenure with the Chinese women’s national team, and wishes Mr. Milicic and his team members all the best in their future professional and personal lives. ”
Milicic was appointed head coach of China’s women’s national team on May 11, 2024. During his tenure, he led the team at the 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, where China finished as runners-up; the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where the team reached the semifinals and secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup; and the Nagoya Asian Games, where China finished fourth with a record of three wins, one draw and two losses.
However, China also suffered heavy defeats in several high-profile friendlies under Milicic, including an 8-0 loss to England and a 3-0 defeat to the United States.
CSL:Shanghai Port beat Chengdu Rongcheng 3-0 at SAIC Pudong Football Stadium on October 18, with Leonardo and Wu Lei scoring and Wang Dongsheng netting an own goal.
Despite the defeat, Rongcheng remain six points ahead of Dalian Yingbo with two rounds left, and the two sides will meet in a key clash next round.
Defending champions Shanghai opened the new CBA season in style on October 16, receiving their championship rings before routing Shenzhen 102-68 at home.
The Guangzhou Open has officially announced that junior world No. 1 Sun Xinran will compete in the singles main draw at the WTA tournament after receiving a wild card. It will be the second WTA Tour event of her career.
Sun has enjoyed an impressive season on the junior circuit, reaching the girls’ singles final at three consecutive Grand Slams — the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open — before capturing her first junior Grand Slam title at the US Open. Earlier this month, she made her WTA Tour main-draw debut at the China Open, winning two consecutive matches to reach the last 32 before falling to world No. 4 Coco Gauff in the third round.
Joining Sun in the field will be former Guangzhou Open champion and Chinese player Wang Xiyu, Katerina Siniakova, who completed a second career Grand Slam in women’s doubles at the US Open, and former world No. 2 Paula Badosa. Seven-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 Venus Williams will also compete on a wild card.
The Guangzhou Open main draw will take place from October 26 to November 1.
Do Rosário revealed that GD Palmeira, champions of the Cabo Verdean football league, will visit China in December to play friendly matches against several Chinese teams, including Yongzhou, last year’s champions of the Hunan Super League (Xiang Chao).
On October 14, H.E. Arlindo do Rosário, ambassador of the Republic of Cabo Verde to China, visited Titan Sports Media Group. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, as well as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Cabo Verde. The two countries are looking to deepen cultural exchanges and sports cooperation, with the ambassador and Titan Sports exchanging views on these areas during the visit.
Do Rosário revealed that GD Palmeira, champions of the Cabo Verdean football league, will visit China in December to play friendly matches against several Chinese teams, including Yongzhou, last year’s champions of the Hunan Super League (Xiang Chao). The match between Yongzhou and Palmeira on December 12 will be broadcast live by China Central Television (CCTV).
Speaking about Chinese football, Do Rosário said: “China still has a long way to go before becoming a world power in football, but I believe it can get there. China is a world leader in many sports, so why not football one day? Chinese people love football and enjoy playing it, so the conditions for success are there.
“‘Chinese patience’ has become a saying of ours. Beyond patience, the Chinese people are also known for their determination, willpower and long-term planning. I sincerely believe that sooner or later, Chinese football will develop well and China will have a great national team. I believe that.”
In the second round of Group G in the AFC Champions League 2, Shanghai Shenhua played away against Svay Rieng FC at the Cambodia National Stadium. The match ended in a 0-0 draw. In the first half, Asue suffered a lacerated brow and was substituted due to injury, while Liu Chengyu missed a good chance and was also forced off with injury.
🎙️ Zheng Qinwen on why she snatched her dad’s hat off at the China Open ceremony — and how he immediately “threw cold water” on her celebration
The newly crowned China Open champion spoke to VOGUE about that viral moment — and her parents’ habit of keeping her grounded.
On the hat:
“The reason I took his hat off was because my dad’s hat was Roland Garros — French Open — but we were at the China Open. My mom reminded me, and as soon as I saw it, I just grabbed it off his head.”
On her parents:
“It depends on the moment with them. But yesterday, while we were celebrating, something funny happened — my parents had already started telling me what I needed to do next year. I said: ‘Uh, can you at least let me enjoy this moment first?’ And my dad said: ‘Well, as your dad, I have to keep you humble. Every now and then, I need to throw some cold water on you.’”
🏍️ Bike pricier than a car? Behram Abduweli on his income: “Enough for my family — and I donate to charity.”
Chinese Super League striker Behram Abduweli (Chengdu Rongcheng) recently opened up about his earnings — without revealing the exact figures.
Asked about a motorcycle reportedly worth more than a car, the 23-year-old said: “Let’s just say it’s enough for me and my family. I can’t give the exact number, but it’s decent. I also donate to charity.”
He also dismissed the old “money football” era, saying: “More and more young stars are emerging. People used to say there was no future in football — but now I believe if you work hard and make the most of your talent, there is a way forward.”
⏱️ FULL TIME: Shanghai Port 1-1 Daejeon Hana Citizen
AFC Champions League Elite, League Stage Matchday 2
A fast-paced first half saw both sides have a goal ruled out for offside, while Wu Lei went close with a low effort that hit the outside of the post.
After the break, Prince Obeng Ampem put Shanghai Port ahead, but Diogo Oliveira headed in an equaliser just five minutes later.
Honours shared at Pudong Football Stadium. 🇨🇳⚽
2027 AFC Asian Cup could be postponed by ONE YEAR to January 2028 amid the escalating Saudi Arabia–Yemen crisis.
The AFC and member associations are monitoring the situation closely, with a decision expected in mid-November.
🔥 Beijing Guoan make it two wins from two in the ACL Elite!
AFC Champions League Elite, East Zone Matchday 2
Hou Sen pulled off a huge save, Akolo missed a one-on-one, and Bissoli hit the post.
Then Lin Liangming teed up Fábio Abreu for the winner — Buriram United 0-1 Beijing Guoan. 🇨🇳⚽
After winning the first WTA 1000 title of her career at the China Open and finally putting her injury struggles behind her, Zheng Qinwen spoke to the WTA's official website about the impact of Spanish coach Pere Riba on her career.
One particularly crucial moment came in July, when Zheng lost in the first round of qualifying in Toronto. Her live ranking had fallen to No. 158. Riba immediately decided to skip the Cincinnati tournament and head straight to the IMG Academy in Florida, where the pair began a 16-day training camp behind closed doors.
"When I lost in qualifying in Toronto and hit rock bottom, he was the one who pulled me out of it," Zheng said. "Sometimes his job isn't easy either, because if you want a player to perform at their best, you have to be demanding on the court."
The 24-year-old Zheng has also grown increasingly aware of how to work effectively with Riba over the course of their five-year partnership.
"Perhaps what happened in the past was because I wasn't humble enough at the time. I thought I was already one of the top players. I always wanted to prove that I knew better than him, but after suffering a number of defeats, I realised that wasn't the right approach."
Reflecting on their partnership and the difference Riba has made to her career, Zheng said: "If you want to win, you have to stay humble and listen to your coach. That was the moment when everything suddenly clicked for me, and now we work together really well.
"He has made so many adjustments to my game and even to my mentality, because he has always been the one who believes I can achieve more. When I feel I've reached my limit, he is always there to push me further, because he knows I still have more potential to bring out on the court."
🇨🇳 China to host Malaysia in Guangzhou on Nov 14!
The Football Association of Malaysia has confirmed it received an updated notice from the Chinese Football Association (CFA) regarding a change to Malaysia's international friendly schedule in Guangzhou.
Malaysia will now face China on Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, before playing Yemen on Tuesday, Nov 17.
FIFA rankings: China No. 96, Malaysia No. 133, Yemen No. 144.
These matches are part of both teams' preparations for future challenges. Further updates from the CFA will follow.