Chinese Super League 2021 to kick off without defending champions Jiangsu FC - get matchweek 1 fixtures

The Chinese Super League 2021 season will start on Tuesday, April 20 without defending champions Jiangsu FC who have been denied a team licence for the new campaign.

Jiangsu FC defeated Guangzhou Evergrande in a playoff in November last year to secure their first-ever league title. However, Jiangsu FC owners Suning announced they had ceased operations at the end of February. 

Meanwhile, Jiangsu have been replaced in the Chinese Super League (CSL) by Cangzhou Mighty Lions.

The 16 Chinese Super League teams have been divided into two groups - A and B. Group A includes eight-time winners Guangzhou FC, Chinese FA Cup champions Shandong Taishan, Guangzhou City, Shenzhen FC, Chongqing Athletic, Henan Songshan Longmen, Qingdao FC and Cangzhou Lions.

Group B comprises Beijing Guoan, 2018 champions Shanghai Port, Shanghai Shenhua, Hebei FC, Tianjin Tigers, Dalian Pro, Changchun Yatai and Wuhan FC.

The first phase of the CSL season will be played in the southern city of Guangzhou and the other half in Suzhou, near Shanghai. The players will be forced to stay in a biosecure bubble for the league.

The new Chinese Super League campaign will kick off with the Guangzhou derby as Guangzhou FC host Guangzhou City FC at the Tianhe Stadium on Tuesday, April 20.

Guangzhou FC had finished runners-up last season, while Guangzhou City ended the campaign in 11th spot.

Oscar, Marko Arnautovic, Marouane Fellaini, Mousa Dembele and Paulinho are some of the big names that will feature in the upcoming edition of the CSL.

Chinese Super League schedule, fixtures and India match times for matchweek 1

All times are in Indian Standard Time (IST)

There is no telecast or live streaming of the Chinese Super League available in India.

Featured photo: STR / AFP