As the end of 2024 approaches, there has been significant news in the world of Chinese football. At a football development seminar, FA Chairman Song Kai proposed that after retiring, professional players must engage in youth training for a certain number of years before they are eligible to coach professional teams, a statement that has garnered much attention. Soon after, the suspense was resolved when 47-year-old Sun Jihai was officially appointed as the Vice President of Liaoning Football Association, a crucial position within the FA system.
Sun Jihai has an outstanding record in Chinese football history. Domestically, he helped his team win the Jia A League championship four times and played a key role in helping the national team reach the final stages of the South Korea and Japan World Cup. On the international stage, he also excelled, winning the English Football Championship League title and being inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly praised him as a legendary figure in Chinese football. Now that Sun Jihai has taken on a new role, many fans have high hopes for him.
It is worth noting that Sun Jihai previously served as Vice President of Xinjiang Football Association, not only leading the Xinjiang team to a runner-up finish at the National Games but also bringing about many positive changes for local football development. The emergence of talented young Xinjiang players such as Bai Helamu, Yimulan, and Aibula is inseparable from Sun Jihai's contributions back then.
Moreover, Sun Jihai has a deep connection with FA Chairman Song Kai, as both are figures in the sports circle of Liaoning and are familiar with each other. Through years of interaction in Liaoning, they have a good understanding of each other's concepts and styles of action. Song Kai is very aware of Sun Jihai's expertise in the field of football, whether it be his illustrious playing career or his dedication to grassroots training after retirement, which perfectly aligns with the FA's current efforts to push for football reform and focus on grassroots training. This appointment of Sun Jihai as Vice President of Liaoning Football Association is not by chance but a strategic move by the FA to leverage his professional abilities and influence to activate the entire football ecosystem from a local level.
Some netizens commented on sports forums, "Sun Jihai is doing what professionals do; with him taking the lead, the future of Liaoning football is promising." However, there are also concerns: "Grassroots training is a slow process that requires meticulous work, and results are not immediately visible; Sun Jihai will face considerable pressure." Regardless, everyone is waiting to see how he will perform and contribute to the transformation of Chinese football.
In terms of Sun Jihai's appointment, Song Kai's decision to rely on him has become a focal point of controversy. Some people worry that since both are from the Liaoning sports circle and have a deep connection, could this be nepotism? However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Sun Jihai's achievements in grassroots training are undeniable.
The Wen Hui Bao has detailed records of his post-retirement dedication to grassroots training, self-funding institutions to relieve tuition burdens for promising children, and investing heavily every year to create growth channels, allowing many young football talents to thrive. These concrete achievements are a testament to his professionalism and dedication, something that cannot be achieved simply through "connections."
Currently, Chinese football is mired in a situation where there is a lack of continuity between generations, urgently needing practical individuals like Sun Jihai who understand the dynamics of the field and can cultivate grassroots talent. What Song Kai values is Sun Jihai's ability to break the deadlock for the national team's difficulties. With football reform imminent and grassroots training being the top priority, Sun Jihai is undoubtedly the ideal candidate to carry this flag, making the accusation of "nepotism" baseless.