简体中文
Earlier this month, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced that Professor Zhang Wenhong, a Shanghai-based infectious disease specialist, will be their consultant as they plan the resumption of football games amid COVID-19.
The 2020 Chinese Super League (CSL)season was postponed due to thecoronavirus pandemicand restart date has not been decided. According to Professor Zhang, the return of CSL really depends on the situation in Beijing and the whole country.
"The schedule is still under discussion because the pandemic just re-surged in Beijing. Therefore, we are concerned about the situation," said Professor Zhang in an interview with CGTN's Wang Dong, Sports Scene anchor and commentator.
"The potential coronavirus transmissions from Beijing make it more complicated. Ithink CSL leaders are concerned about that and will keep changing the timetable."
Zhang also referred to the recent moves by the European football leagues to restart the season.
"European countries have made the decision to restart, because they believe that as the situation of the coronavirus changesevery day, if they can keep coronavirus cases under control and the medical system is working well, it will be okay to restart the games."
"In China, however, our target is to keep the cases at near zero, so we are much more prudentand we still need more time."
Dr. Zhang also said that games shouldresume without fans but more audience could be allowed in gradually as the situation gets better.
"If there are near zero cases reported, we will add more audiences. Meanwhile, we will make sure to keep players, coaches and other staff safe enough."
(Cover image: Professor Zhang Wenhong during a talk show in Shanghai, China, May 6, 2020. /VCG)
