What Is 2019 Chinese Women's Super League

Overview

The 2019 Chinese Women's Super League marked the 23rd edition of the premier women's football competition in China. Organized by the Chinese Football Association (CFA), the season featured eight professional clubs competing for the national title, with matches played from April 20 to November 2, 2019.

This season was notable for its competitive balance and rising star performances, culminating in a dramatic championship finish. The league structure combined a regular season with a final playoff stage to determine the champion, emphasizing both consistency and peak performance.

• Eight teams participated in the 2019 season, including Jiangsu Suning, Wuhan Jianghan University, and Dalian Quanjian, all vying for the top spot in the standings.
• The regular season followed a double round-robin format, with each team playing 14 matches—home and away—against every other team.
• Jiangsu Suning emerged as champions after defeating Wuhan Jianghan University 3–2 on aggregate in a two-leg final series held in October and November.
• Wang Shuang of Wuhan Jianghan University claimed the Golden Boot with 11 goals, becoming the league's top scorer for the season.
• The league champion, Jiangsu Suning, earned qualification for the 2020 AFC Women's Club Championship, representing China at the continental level.

How It Works

The 2019 Chinese Women's Super League operated under a hybrid competition model that combined league play with a final knockout stage to determine the champion. This format aimed to maintain competitive excitement throughout the season while rewarding consistent performance.

• Regular Season Format: The eight teams played a 14-match double round-robin, earning three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss.
• Standings & Advancement: The top four teams after the regular season advanced to the championship playoffs, while the bottom four entered the relegation group.
• Finals Structure: The first- and second-placed teams contested a two-leg final, with the winner crowned league champion based on aggregate score.
• Relegation Rules: The last-placed team in the relegation group was relegated to the Women's Division One League for the following season.
• Player Eligibility: Each team could register up to three foreign players, though only two could be on the field at any given time during a match.
• Match Schedule: Games were typically played on weekends, with the season running from April 20 to November 2, accommodating international breaks and national team duties.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2019 season compared closely with prior years in structure but saw increased scoring and tighter competition, especially in the top half of the table.

The table highlights that while goal totals fluctuated, the 2019 season maintained high competitive standards. Jiangsu Suning’s victory ended Dalian Quanjian’s two-year title streak, signaling a shift in the league’s power dynamics.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Chinese Women's Super League played a pivotal role in advancing women's football in China, both in terms of visibility and player development. It provided a platform for domestic stars and international talent alike, contributing to national team readiness ahead of global tournaments.

• The league helped boost women's football participation in China, with youth programs increasingly aligning with professional club academies.
• Jiangsu Suning's success elevated the club's profile, leading to increased sponsorship and media coverage for women's sports.
• The performance of Wang Shuang reinforced her status as a national team cornerstone ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers.
• Foreign players like Sam Kerr (who joined later) benefited from the league’s growing competitiveness and infrastructure.
• The CFA used the 2019 season to test refereeing standards and VAR readiness, preparing for broader technological integration.
• Television and streaming partnerships expanded, with over 50 matches broadcast, increasing fan engagement across digital platforms.

Overall, the 2019 season served as a benchmark for future growth, demonstrating that structured competition and investment can elevate the quality and appeal of women's football in China.