Chinese police are in the midst of a crackdown on corruption in the country's professional league and as part of the investigation Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals and Chengdu Blades - owned by English Championship side Sheffield United - were demoted by the Chinese Football Association's disciplinary committee.

The committee has now decided to restore Hangzhou and Chongqing's CSL status following their relegation at the end of last season, meaning the league will still contain 16 teams.

"It's good to keep 16 teams. All the sponsors and clubs welcome that decision," CSL general secretary Ma Chengquan told Xinhua news agency.

"If we cut the league to 14 teams, the CSL will also have to reduce the number of teams that could take part in the AFC Champions League."

Ma also confirmed that the start of the 2010 CSL season has been delayed by one week and will now begin on March 27.