Guangzhou, Suzhou to host Chinese Super League's opening rounds

Chinese supporters pose ahead of the France 2019 Women's World Cup Group B football match between China and Spain, on June 17, 2019, at the Oceane Stadium in Le Havre, northwestern France. (AFP)

The opening rounds of the 2021 Chinese Super League season will be held in bio-secure hubs in Guangzhou and Suzhou, the Chinese Football Association have announced, with the new campaign to begin on April 20.

Eight-time champions Guangzhou FC, who were runners-up last year, will feature in group A in their home city alongside Chinese FA Cup winners Shandong Taishan as well as Guangzhou City and Shenzhen FC.

Chongqing Athletic, Henan Songshan Longmen, Qingdao FC and Cangzhou Lions will complete the group A line-up.

Group B will be played in Suzhou and will contain last season's third-placed club Beijing Guoan as well as 2018 champions Shanghai Port and Shanghai Shenhua.

Hebei FC, Tianjin Tigers, Dalian Pro, Changchun Yatai and Wuhan FC will also play in group B.

Last year's champions Jiangsu FC will not feature in the 2021 season after the club was not granted a licence by the Chinese football authorities after owners Suning announced they had ceased operations at the end of February.

The opening game of the 2021 CL1 (2nd-divisioin) will be held in Wuhan Five Rings Sports Center between Wuhan Three Towns and Beijing Institute of Technology FC on April 24.

Football match will be the first held in the city after Covid-19 erupted, according to Titan Sports Plus.