Ayub Timbe facing expulsion from Chinese league

Harambee Stars winger Ayub Timbe could be club less if Chinese authorities make good their threat of expelling 18 clubs in the country.

Timbe’s club Beijing Renhe is among 18 that have been listed for expulsion from leagues by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after failing to pay player salaries and bonuses, related transfer fees and taxes.

The accused clubs are Beijing Guoan, Beijing Renhe, Shanghai Shenhua, Shanghai SIPG, Guangzhou Evergrande, Guangzhou R&F, Jiangsu Suning, Changchun Yatai, Chongqing Lifan, Hebei China Fortune, Tianjin Quanjian, Tianjin Teda, Liaoning Whowin, Shandong Luneng, Dalian Transcendence, Shanghai Shenxin, Shijiazhuang Ever Bright and Qingdao Jonoon.

The CFA published the letter on Tuesday and added that any club which fails to settle the issue by August 15 will be disqualified from all tournaments hosted by the AFC and denied entry to the Chinese professional leagues next season.

Up until now, both Beijing Guoan and Shanghai Shenhua have denied the accusations and promised to send the relevant evidence to the CFA as soon as possible proving their innocence. Guangzhou Evergrande are the reigning Chinese Super League champions, while Shanghai SIPG have the likes of Hulk, Oscar and Ricardo Carvalho on their books.

Timbe has been a star for the Chinese second division side and was on target on Sunday as he grabbed a double to help Renhe force a 2-2 draw against Baoding Yitong at Fengtai Stadium. Another Kenyan, Michael Olunga, also plays in China for Guizhou Zhicheng, though the team has not been affected by the new orders.