It appears that the China Football Association (CFA) coach, Branco Ivanković (71), considered the Chinese national team as a 'nice' source of retirement funds.

A reporter from a Beijing local media, Ma Dexing, noted on the 17th (Korean time) that "the association officially proposed to replace the coach during the World Cup third qualifying round, but failed to obtain approval from above, and ultimately Ivanković stepped down after the match against Bahrain. The association has already agreed to terminate the contract, but the administrative process remains, leading to delays in the official announcement."

Having resigned in responsibility for the failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Ivanković ultimately packed his bags amid the familiar ending of a leadership change in Chinese football. Under the leadership of Branco Ivanković, China lost 0-1 to Indonesia on the 5th in the 9th match of Group C in the final Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup held at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Notably, the 20 goals conceded in 9 matches marked the highest number of goals conceded in Group C and ranked among the highest in Asia overall. Desperate for a victory to qualify for the World Cup, China conceded an opening goal from a penalty kick in the first 45 minutes and ultimately failed to score an equalizer. A crucial shot by Wang Yidong in the early second half was also saved by the goalkeeper, squandering an opportunity.

On that day, China had to win the match but limited their attempts to just 5 shots (with 1 on target), falling completely behind Indonesia (13 shots, 3 on target). Thus, even with the Asian regional ticket increased to 8.5 for this World Cup, China once again tasted the bitterness of early elimination.

With the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, there are opinions that it has become easier to qualify for the World Cup than ever before. The dominant argument was that this was a consideration from FIFA for China. However, once again, China failed to qualify for the World Cup, continuing its streak of six consecutive failures.

China secured a 1-0 victory over Bahrain, but it was a victory that held no significance. Now, China must look toward the upcoming 2030 year. Immediately after the match, Tencent Sports reported on the disappointment of this World Cup under the title "The history of blood and tears! Chinese national football team, six failures."

Tencent Sports wrote, "In the 2026 North American World Cup, the Asian allocation ticket increased to 8.5, considered a golden opportunity; however, they barely passed the second qualifying round. After Ivanković was appointed, the team started with a heavy defeat of 0-7 to Japan and lost three consecutive matches, and although they rekindled hope by defeating Indonesia and Bahrain, they suffered another three consecutive losses, resulting in elimination two matches before direct qualification. Ultimately, with a loss to Indonesia, they completely failed to qualify for the main tournament."

Criticism is growing within China as well. One fan expressed, "FIFA has blatantly increased the number of World Cup participating countries for China and distributed numerous tickets to Asia, yet China failed to qualify once again. If this is the case, what kind of privileges does FIFA need to grant for us to qualify?"

Although they won the final match against Bahrain, it was ultimately a meaningless victory for China. Ivanković made it clear after the match against Bahrain that "being eliminated from the World Cup is disappointing. However, I have no intention of stepping down myself," indicating he would seek a penalty fee (approximately 1.7 billion won) based on the remaining contract period.

However, the China Football Association (CFA) argues that there is no reason to reduce the penalty fee as they dismissed him. The Beijing Youth Daily reported, "The contract signed by both parties included specific goals regarding performance in the World Cup qualifiers. If he fails to advance through the Asian qualifiers, the contract with Ivanković and his staff can be terminated without compensation."

Ultimately, China shifted the responsibility for the sixth consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup onto the coach. However, "Osiiek Today" in Ivanković's home country, Croatia, criticized, "While Chinese media continuously raise the issue of Ivanković's dismissal, the Bahrain Football Association openly supported coach Dragan Talajić," emphasizing that the problems in Chinese football should not be blamed solely on the coach.

In fact, the controversy surrounding Ivanković's position persisted throughout the qualifying period with 18 teams participating. Following the loss in Indonesia, public opinion rapidly deteriorated, prompting the association to propose his dismissal again, but this was also rejected. After the loss to Bahrain, Ivanković delivered a de facto farewell message to the entire team, saying, "Thank you for your dedication over the past year."

Ultimately, after a meeting between CFA President Song Kai and both parties on June 13, they concluded with a 'mutual termination'. Once the administrative procedures were completed, Ivanković left Beijing early on the 14th, returning to Croatia via Doha. Some of the staff have already returned home as selected individuals and are preparing for retirement.

Chinese 'Penguin News' reported that "Ivanković had contemplated retirement after being dismissed from the Oman national team, but chose to go to China as a retirement fund due to his agent's suggestion," adding, "Ivanković is likely to retire after leaving China. It is amusing to have brought in a coach like this."

Meanwhile, the Chinese national team faces an unprecedented situation where the coaching position will be vacant a month before the East Asian Cup. Promoting a legendary coach, Zheng Zhi, as the acting head coach is a strong possibility. However, amid ongoing fan anger due to the World Cup elimination, there is interest in whether the association can present a long-term roadmap instead of a mere 'patchwork solution.'

[OSEN]