Recent reports about wage arrears at China League One side Dalian Kun City have intensified. According to the latest update from Football News (《足球报》), more than 20 players, coaches, and staff members have officially reported the club to the Chinese Football Association (CFA), alleging severe and ongoing unpaid wages.
Not long ago, Dalian Kun City successfully made the CFA’s 2026 season licensing/admission list. However, over the past two days, multiple insiders have come forward publicly with complaints. It began with players posting on social media that the club owed substantial wages and bonuses, and soon after, several coaches and staff joined in with similar claims.
As of yesterday morning, only seven players had spoken out online. By this morning, that figure had climbed to more than 20, including coaches and staff. Several Kun City players said that during the final stage of the 2024 China League Two season, the club owner promised a total of RMB 3.3 million in bonuses for the last six matches. Yet, only RMB 1.2 million was paid—leaving RMB 2.1 million still unpaid.
In addition, the owner reportedly promised an extra RMB 1 million promotion bonus for moving up to League One, but that money has also not been delivered. Players argue that because the CFA reviews salary compliance from November 2024 through 2025, this unpaid amount should fall within the scope of their formal appeal.
Players have also questioned whether the club arranged for someone to sign salary confirmation forms on their behalf, potentially misleading the CFA. However, sources familiar with the matter said the club submitted bank transaction records as proof of salary payments, which can be used as a key basis for determining whether settlement requirements were met. As a result, the CFA may not have full visibility into whether the club and players ever reached an agreement regarding performance-based compensation.
Dalian Kun City’s domestic players further allege the club’s wage payments have been biased. They claim that foreign players have consistently been paid on time, while Chinese players’ wages began to be delayed in the second half of the year, sometimes paid in installments rather than in full.
Some have also pointed out that the club reportedly receives around RMB 17 million in support from the government and sports authorities annually, including RMB 10 million earmarked for operating expenses during the League One season.
After receiving more than 20 complaints, the CFA has reportedly contacted Dalian Kun City. The club has since submitted additional documentation, but it has not directly engaged with the individuals who filed the reports. Meanwhile, it was also reported that prior to the licensing process—amid concerns over the club’s financial strain—emergency funding was allocated by local authorities to help cover the shortfall.
Last year, Guangzhou FC dissolved after failing to pass licensing requirements. Now, many fans are worried that Dalian Kun City could become the next club to face a similar outcome.
