Overview
- The Chinese Football Association said it considered several foreign candidates before selecting the 45-year-old former midfielder.
- Shao succeeds caretaker Dejan Durdevic, who stepped in after Branko Ivankovic was dismissed in June following elimination from 2026 World Cup qualifying.
- The new coach featured at the 2002 World Cup, earned 40 caps, served as a national-team assistant, and most recently led Qingdao West Coast in the Chinese Super League.
- Chinese fans and former players have urged that he be given time and less interference as he begins the rebuilding job.
- His initial focus includes preparing for the 2027 Asian Cup, and Germany’s football federation publicly congratulated the appointment in recognition of his career there.