CFL Penalizes Changchun Xidu for Superstitious Acts in Dressing Room

The Chinese Professional Football League (CFL) has taken disciplinary action against the China League Two team, Changchun Xidu, for a controversial incident involving superstitious items. The CFL announced on Wednesday that the team had placed these items in the locker room of the opposing team, which it labeled as having a detrimental impact on the game.

This situation arose on June 28, right before a match against Shanxi Chongde Ronghai in Changchun, located in the Jilin Province of Northeast China. Following an investigation that included a review of match reports and video evidence, the CFL confirmed that staff from Changchun Xidu had left several yellow talismans with curse inscriptions in the visiting dressing room. These talismans, which circulated widely on social media, contained phrases that expressed intent for the opposing team to lose, such as "Command Shanxi Chongde Ronghai to lose."

Despite Changchun Xidu's impressive ascent in League Two, moving toward the top of the standings, this incident has marred their achievements. Sports commentator Zhu Yi emphasized that true success in football should be rooted in the players' dedication and strategy rather than in superstitions. He criticized the use of such talismans, asserting that it damages the team's credibility and undermines the spirit of fair play, as the essence of the sport is reliant on skill, not magical beliefs.