On the evening of May 12, the Chinese Football League (CFL) officially announced two disciplinary decisions, imposing three-match bans on foreign players from Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai Port. The additional suspensions mean Anpem will miss the final game of the first half of the season, while Manafa will have to wait until the second half to return.
In the ruling for Shanghai Port’s Anpem, the CFL determined that he committed a violent act during the 10th round home match against Shenzhen Xinpengcheng. The incident occurred in stoppage time when Anpem was pulled by Xuan Zhijian while chasing the ball. In his attempt to break free, his right hand struck the back of Xuan’s head. After VAR intervention, the referee directly showed Anpem a red card. As Anpem had already served the automatic one-match suspension for the red card in the previous round, the additional punishment means he will miss three more matches. During this period, Port will face Zhejiang, Chengdu Rongcheng, and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger—all tough fixtures, with the match against Tianjin potentially being a critical relegation battle.
In the case of Shenhua’s Manafa, the CFL likewise ruled that he committed a violent act during the 11th round home match against Chongqing Tonglianglong. The incident also occurred in stoppage time. While dribbling, Manafa was pulled by Zhang Zhixiong’s jersey. The referee did not call a foul, and an agitated Manafa then punched Zhang in the back of the head. Following VAR review, Manafa was also shown a direct red card. Unlike Anpem, Manafa has not yet served the automatic one-match suspension for the red card, meaning he will miss a total of four league matches. During this period, Shenhua’s opponents include Yunnan Yukun, Wuhan Three Towns, Shenzhen Xinpengcheng, and Qingdao West Coast. On paper, Shenhua’s schedule appears slightly easier than Port’s.
Anpem is expected to return for the final match of the first half of the season, while Manafa will not be available until the second half. Both teams have already lost key foreign players to season-ending injuries, and these additional suspensions will significantly impact their preparations.