What Is 2019 Chinese Women's Football League

Overview

The 2019 Chinese Women's Football League marked the 23rd edition of the top-tier women's football competition in China, organized by the Chinese Football Association (CFA). This season showcased a restructured format with a reduced number of teams and a more intense competition schedule.

Running from May 4 to October 12, the league featured eight clubs competing in a double round-robin system, playing 14 matches each. The season culminated in a dominant performance by Jiangsu Suning, who claimed their first league title without a single loss.

• Jiangsu Suning finished the season with a perfect 14-0-0 record, becoming the first team in league history to go undefeated through a full campaign.
• The league operated under a centralized format, with all matches hosted at the Dalian Suoyuwan Football Training Base in Liaoning Province to reduce travel and ensure competitive fairness.
• Wuhan Jianghan University secured second place with 17 points, finishing 13 points behind the champions despite strong performances from forwards like Wang Shuang.
• The season saw a total of 98 goals scored across 56 matches, averaging 1.75 goals per game, reflecting improved offensive strategies and player development.
• Each team played 14 matches—home and away against every other team—under a condensed schedule due to overlapping international fixtures and national team commitments.

How It Works

The 2019 Chinese Women's Football League operated under revised structural and competitive guidelines to enhance quality and visibility. Below are key terms defining how the league functioned during this season.

• Double Round-Robin Format: Each of the eight teams played every other team twice—once at home and once away—resulting in 14 total matches per team.
• Centralized Venues: All games were held at the Dalian Suoyuwan Football Training Base to streamline logistics, reduce costs, and maintain consistent playing conditions.
• Points System: Teams earned 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss, with the team accumulating the most points crowned champion.
• Relegation Rules: The bottom team in the standings was automatically relegated to the Women's Division One League, though no relegation occurred in 2019 due to league restructuring.
• Player Registration: Each team could register up to 30 players, with matchday squads limited to 18 players, including a minimum of two youth players under age 21.
• Foreign Player Limit: Clubs were allowed to sign foreign players, but only one foreigner could be on the field at any time during a match.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five teams in the final 2019 Chinese Women's Football League standings.

Jiangsu Suning’s dominance was evident not only in their perfect record but also in goal difference, finishing with +42 compared to second-place Wuhan’s +10. The gap in points highlighted a growing disparity between top clubs and mid-tier teams, raising discussions about competitive balance in future seasons.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was pivotal for the development of women's football in China, setting new standards for professionalism and performance. It also served as a foundation for future investments in the sport.

• Jiangsu Suning’s undefeated run raised the bar for excellence and inspired youth academies to focus on tactical discipline and fitness training.
• The centralized match format proved efficient and may be adopted in future seasons to improve scheduling and reduce logistical challenges.
• Increased media coverage and live streaming of matches contributed to a 35% rise in viewership compared to 2018, boosting fan engagement.
• The league’s structure influenced the CFA’s decision to expand investment in women’s football, including plans for a professionalized second division by 2021.
• Success in the domestic league helped prepare players for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, where China reached the Round of 16.
• The season highlighted the importance of retaining top talent domestically, as several key players had previously moved to European leagues.

The 2019 Chinese Women's Football League not only crowned a dominant champion but also signaled a turning point in the sport’s visibility and organizational maturity in China.