The China Soccer Observatory (CSO) was established by Dr Jonathan Sullivan and Professor Simon Chadwick. It has been set up to monitor, analyse, and publish insights into the growth and development of Chinese football domestically and internationally.

The CSO seeks to ensure that relevant stakeholders are aware of and informed about the most important issues pertaining to football and China. We place great emphasis on the academic rigour of our work, but also on its practical application in addressing real-world issues and challenges.

The CSO's work focuses knowledge creation and thought-leadership, academic research and publication, intelligence gathering and consultancy, and policy advisory services. Drawing from the strengths of our fellows, the CSO has particular expertise in the following areas:

• Strategy formulation
• Marketing and commercial development
• Soft power and diplomacy
• Politics and political economy
• Media and digital
• Socio-cultural impact

We are committed to producing work of the highest quality - academically and in terms of its relevance - and to collaboration with leading stakeholders in China and beyond. These stakeholders include soccer clubs, governing bodies, commercial partners and government agencies.

The CSO is explicitly collaborative and we welcome approaches from individuals and organisations seeking our assistance or the opportunity to work with us.