At its 10th annual congress, Guangzhou Football Association yesterday held its first meeting of members which saw it become China’s first local soccer governing body to part company with the local sports bureau.

In an effort to implement soccer-related reform in the region, a new Chairman, a new Honorary Chairman, a Council and Board of Supervisors were elected during the general meeting.

According to Wang Dong, a Deputy Mayor of Guangzhou, China, Guangzhou Evergrande FC and Guangzhou R&F FC have been given full rights to the use of Tianhe Stadium and Yuexiushan Stadium respectively. It means that no more commercial displays will be on view at the stadia during the agreed tenancy term.

One of the significant changes that the new Football Association brings in is the establishment of a board of visitors.

“Setting up the board of visitors is an explorative approach”, said Liu, adding “(the Football association) was previously administered by a governmental system but it is now felt that it needs self-discipline and social supervision as well”.

Professional stadia specially designed for soccer are to be built. Mr. Liu revealed that clubs will be offered the money to construct these stadia although the locations have yet to be decided.

Source: Guangzhou Daily

Proofread by John Devlin