Just after the National Day, a touch of longing came to my heart, thinking of the old leader of the Football Association who devoted his heart and soul to Chinese football, and the predecessor who adhered to the road of professionalism and left immortal contributions for Chinese football. His name may not be well-known, but in the development of Chinese football, Xu Fang is a pioneer who cannot be ignored.
Xu Fang, born in 1950, graduated from Beijing University of Foreign Languages. He served as the liaison officer of the Chinese delegation at the 84 Los Angeles Olympics and the 90 Asian Games, and has accumulated rich international experience. However, it was not until 1992, at the Hongshankou Football Work Conference, that he first met Wang Junsheng, the then chairman of the Football Association, and was arranged to work in the Football Association. This decision marks an important opportunity for the reform of Chinese football.
After the Hongshankou meeting, Chinese football is facing a huge task - professional reform. From institutional specialization to professionalism, this is not only an upgrade of the concept, but also a huge change that requires financial support. At the time, the FA leaders faced challenges in attracting investment and ensuring that the league was up and running.
In this predicament, Xu Fang played a key role. Not only did he decide to transfer all the money on the Football Association's books to Jianlibao to fill the $300,000 funding gap, but he also realized the need to bring in international sponsors. In November 1993, Xu Fang led a delegation to negotiate with IMG for the title and sponsorship of the league. In the end, the two parties reached an agreement for IMG to provide a $1.2 million sponsorship, creating a solid foundation for a professional league in Chinese football.
The negotiations, which lasted three months, were a tense and fierce war. Through negotiations, the two sides finalized the sponsorship amount and cooperation terms, providing financial guarantee for the launch of the Chinese Football Professional League. This successful cooperation enabled Chinese football to smoothly move towards professionalism at that time.
1994 was the year of the AFC re-election, and Xu Fang's name entered the list of vice presidents. Despite the fierce competition, Xu Fang was successfully elected as the vice president of the AFC by virtue of his own advantages. This election is not only a personal recognition of him, but also a safeguard of the status and interests of Chinese football in Asia.
In 1995, Chinese football was accused by the AFC of match-fixing, and Xu Fang did not hesitate to come forward and form an investigation team to conduct an in-depth investigation to justify the name of Chinese football. At the official meeting of the AFC, Xu Fang dared to slap the table to defend the honor of Chinese football, showing his firm attitude and determination to be loyal to the country.
On the evening of September 30, 1996, Xu Fang died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 50. This news deprives the Chinese football community of an outstanding leader. During his lifetime, he was keenly aware of the problem of refereeing in the early days of the professionalization of football, and warned referees at meetings not to give up their life's future for the sake of short-term honor. Xu Fang's death became a huge turning point in the development of Chinese football, and also marked the end of a valuable historical picture of China's football reform.
Xu Fang's death makes people lament that Chinese football has lost an outstanding leader. In his time, Chinese football once went on the road of professionalism and established an international image. However, as time passed, the gains of football reform were gradually overlooked, and the once-glorious era became bleak. Xu Fang's story should make us reflect on the original intention and efforts of football reform to continue to promote the development of Chinese football.
In the long history of Chinese football, Xu Fang is an indispensable name, and he has paid hard work and sweat for the cause of football. Let us cherish the memory of this senior who has worked hard for Chinese football all his life, remember everything he has done for Chinese football, praise him, and pray for the future of Chinese football.
In the history of Chinese football, Xu Fang is a shining pioneer who has devoted his life to promoting the professionalization and internationalization of football. His death is embarrassing, and it can't help but make people think about the glory that Chinese football has achieved under his leadership, as well as the subsequent silence.
Xu Fang's role in football reform is not only a decision-maker, but also a struggler. His firm will and courage to challenge have made Chinese football stand out on the international stage. However, his death also shows us the many dilemmas and problems facing China's football reform.
To this day, Chinese football is still facing various challenges, the level of professional leagues needs to be improved, and the competition in the international arena is still fierce. We can draw strength from Xu Fang's deeds and move on. Let us stay true to our original aspirations, remember history, and work together to build a more prosperous, healthy and vibrant Chinese football.
Xu Fang has devoted his life to Chinese football, and his deeds will always inspire us and inspire everyone who cares about and devotes themselves to the cause of Chinese football. I hope that in the future, Chinese football can thrive under the guidance of his spirit, create more brilliance, and continue to win glory for the country. Football is a sport that unites people's hearts, a symbol of a country's self-confidence and strength, and a manifestation of a national spirit. In this exciting and challenging football arena, the future of Chinese football will be more brilliant thanks to the efforts of each and every one of us.