BEIJING, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- The future of Hebei FC has been thrown into uncertainty after the Chinese Super League club decided to cease operation.
According to a document issued by the club on Monday, it will not resume operation until further investment is secured.
"Considering its operation has practically stopped, the club decided that from the date of October 26, 2021, to cease operation with its employees furloughed," the document wrote.
Unconfirmed reports have circulated saying that the debt-ridden club could not even pay water and electricity bills.
Lang Zheng, an official of the club, suggested two weeks ago that the CSL side was struggling with serious financial woes.
"We are facing tremendous difficulties," he said at the pre-match press conference of a first-round Chinese FA Cup tie between the Hebei side and Shaanxi Chang'an Athletic FC, a second-tier team, in Dalian.
"Our coaching staff paid some travel expense out of their own pockets to bring the team to Dalian," he said.
Hebei FC lost 1-0 to Shaanxi Chang'an Athletic FC in that game.
Hebei FC has been in dire financial straits and faces the danger of dissolving before this season ends, some Chinese media have reported. Enditem
