‘We exist because of them’: understanding the integration mechanisms and process of men’s and women’s football in China

Peng, Qi ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8730-4458, Scelles, Nicolas ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6177-5307, Chen, Zhisheng, Ai, Kun and Wang, Pu (2025) ‘We exist because of them’: understanding the integration mechanisms and process of men’s and women’s football in China. Sport Management Review. ISSN 1441-3523 (In Press)

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Abstract

In 2019 the Chinese Football Association (CFA) released a policy mandating all men’s clubs qualifying for the Chinese Super League (CSL) to integrate a women’s football team within their structure. Against this backdrop, this study aims to answer the research questions: What are the integration mechanisms of women’s football teams by men’s clubs in Chinese football? What are the barriers and enablers of an effective integration process and positive integration experience for women players? Underpinned by a social constructionism philosophical position, we conducted 18 semi-structured interviews with club directors (n=4) responsible for women’s football development and women football players (n=14) impacted by the integration policy. All data were analysed using the thematic analysis method. The findings highlighted a superficial integration process as most clubs resorted to partnering with an existing external football team, with little evidence of resource-sharing in physical assets, personnel, and knowledge and information during the integration process. Additionally, barriers such as inadequate organisational support for women players, as well as the perceived inequality and job insecurity associated with their affiliation status to the men’s team have further contributed to an ineffective integration process. Meanwhile, women players’ proactive tactics such as sensemaking and positive framing have enhanced their integration experience into their club. This study highlights the understudied negative impact associated with integration from women players’ perspectives. Policymakers are encouraged to create more financial incentives for clubs to support women’s teams; clubs should implement their integration strategies with careful consideration of the broader gendered, socio-cultural, and political context.