Rongcheng has withdrawn from the Chinese Super League (CSL) title race following their loss to Chengdu Suning in the final round of matches.
The withdrawal comes as a major blow for Rongcheng, who had been leading the league table and looked set to claim their first CSL title since joining the competition in 2016.
The defeat to Chengdu was particularly difficult for Rongcheng, given that they were trailing by just one point going into the final matchday. However, they could not find a way past Chengdu's solid defense and lost 1-0.
Despite the disappointment, Rongcheng will be proud of their achievements this season, having finished runners-up in the CSL and reaching the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League.
However, the withdrawal from the title race is a setback for Rongcheng, who now have no chance of defending their crown or even challenging for a top-four finish.
The withdrawal also raises questions about the future of Rongcheng in the CSL, with some speculating that the club may struggle to compete at the highest level without the support of a major sponsor.
Overall, the withdrawal from the title race is a significant setback for Rongcheng, but they can take comfort in the fact that they have still achieved a great deal this season.