coaching change
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China’s Football Team Sees 14 Head Coaches in 2023, Sparking Debate: Can They Finally Take Flight?
Branko Ivankovic has been dismissed as head coach of the Chinese men’s national football team after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup final qualifying round. This decision, the CFA cited the automatic termination of his contract, due to the team’s poor performance. His brief tenure, with a win rate below 30%, further highlights the program’s instability, which has seen 14 managerial changes in 23 years, reflecting the ongoing struggles of Chinese football.
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China’s National Football Team Hires 14 Coaches in 23 Years: Amateur Footballers Need Not Apply
Following another World Cup qualification failure, China’s national football team saw its 14th coaching change in 23 years, with Ivan departing after 14 matches. Public criticism intensified after the loss to Indonesia, even leading to online suggestions for a local amateur team to represent the nation, which drew sharp criticism from football legend Fan Zhiyi. The instability surrounding the head coach position and suggestions of an amateur team highlight the nation’s struggles in the sport.
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Down for the Count? China’s Coach Sacked Amidst Calls for Football Revival
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has dismissed head coach Ivanković after the team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The move, effective June 14th, was triggered by performance-based contract clauses. The departure is amicable, with no penalties incurred by either party. The CFA will now search for a new coach, potentially fielding a temporary staff for the upcoming East Asian Cup, amid a candid assessment of the team’s declining status.