By Afp
Published: 10:03 GMT, 2 December 2019 | Updated: 10:07 GMT, 2 December 2019
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Guangzhou Evergrande clinched an eighth Chinese Super League title in nine seasons just over a month after Fabio Cannavaro was reinstated as manager following being stood down.
Evergrande's run of seven straight titles came to end last season but goals from Wei Shihao, Park Ji-soo and Elkeson ensured the trophy returned to Tianhe Stadium as Guangzhou finished two points ahead of Beijing Guoan.
Guangzhou's 3-0 victory over Shanghai Shenhua and CSL title comes despite a turbulent season for a club that has established itself as the dominant force in Chinese football.
Fabio Cannavaro celebrates with Guangzhou Evergrande team after winning the league title
Speculation over the future of Cannavaro has been constant since Evergrande were knocked out of the Asian Champions League in the semi-finals and doubts remain over whether the Italian will still be in the post next season.
The 2006 World Cup champion had been ordered to corporate headquarters in October to attend an 'enterprise culture studies class,' throwing his future at the club into question.
However, a notice on the team website said the former Italy captain had submitted a report 'summarising and reflecting on' the 2019 season and returned to his position at the club on 3 November.
The 2006 World Cup champion had been ordered to corporate headquarters in October
The report said Xu Jiayin, the chairman of heavily indebted property developer Evergrande, accepted the report while criticising Cannavaro for not being strict enough with his players.
'Xu Jiayin hopes Cannavaro takes on board the company philosophy of 'do it best or don't do it at all,' study and work hard, boost the level of the coaching staff, enforce strict management,
