Guangzhou (China) Apr 20: The Chinese Super League trophy will be flown in for handover with the disqualified reigning champions Jiangsu FC absent at the opening ceremony of the new season on Tuesday, it has been revealed.
The trophy will be carried into the opening ceremony by an artificial intelligence-piloted aircraft from outside the Guangzhou Tianhe stadium, where the season-opener will be held on Tuesday night, several Chinese media outlets reported.
In accordance with the ritual protocol, the CSL trophy should be handed over at the new season-opening ceremony by the champions of last season.
As the Jiangsu side has been denied eligibility to play this season and will not make their presence at the ceremony, the organizers had to find another way to transport the trophy.
The CSL new season-opener will be played between Guangzhou FC and Guangzhou City.
Source: Xinhua