Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic withdrew from the Chinese Super League and decided to freeze its operations due to increased debt.

The decision came 10 days before the start of the new season, which starts on June 3 next year.

Zhongqing wrote a message to employees that went viral on the Chinese social network Weibo: “The delay in carrying out the reform of the fund system caused a material crisis, and he also confirmed the freezing of his accounts.

And photos of supporters have been circulating as they left flowers at the headquarters of the club, which came close to signing Spaniard Andrés Iniesta in 2018 and finished 13th last season.

“After careful consideration at the shareholders’ meeting, we regretfully made the decision to withdraw from the Chinese Super League and disband the team,” the Chinese club said in a statement.

The figures represent a new blow to Chinese football after China withdrew the right to host the 2023 AFC Asian Cup due to the coronavirus.

Chongqing joined Jiangsu, which was suspended last year a few months after winning the Chinese championship, as did Hebei, which folded in November after announcing its suspension last October.