Yu Genwei makes a bold move: he targets a controversial amateur-league player who was once banned for five years for kicking a referee, sparking debate.

Recently, news that Tianjin Jinmen Tiger invited a highly controversial Yi-ethnic player, Rihuo Wati, for a trial quickly ignited debate across Chinese football circles. Given his past incident involving violence toward a referee and a five-year provincial ban imposed by the Sichuan FA, many fans reacted with disbelief, questioning whether the club was taking on an unnecessarily high sporting and reputational risk.

From a purely football perspective, however, the move is not entirely irrational. As commentator Zhao Zhen noted, Rihuo Wati came through the Sichuan National Games team system and is considered technically sound. In the Sichuan Super League scene, he left a strong impression with his defensive activity—especially his tackling and interception volume—while also showing the ability to control and link play in midfield. For a team like Jinmen Tiger, currently pushing a transition from veterans to younger pieces, the starting midfield may have established leaders, but the rotation depth is limited, particularly when it comes to energetic, physical young options.

Last season, the team’s lack of depth contributed to performance fluctuations, especially during congested stretches. Head coach Yu Genwei has also emphasized the need to inject younger legs and improve squad flexibility. If Rihuo Wati’s skill set translates, he could fit as a “plug-and-play” rotation piece and a potential upside bet—one reason the club may be willing to take a controlled gamble.

Strategically, the trial aligns with Jinmen Tiger’s long-term approach: low-cost talent discovery. In the post–“big spending” era, the club has generally avoided breaking its wage structure with expensive signings, instead focusing on younger players who come at a manageable cost but still offer growth potential. Past young signings were reportedly completed on relatively modest terms and have shown room to develop.

The economics also matter. Due to the controversy, Rihuo Wati’s market value is at a low point, and if there is no transfer fee involved, a contract—if it happens—would likely be achievable on a lower salary. For a budget-conscious club, a trial is a high-upside, limited-downside evaluation: if it fails, losses are controllable; if it works, the club essentially “finds value” in the market.

That said, risk management is the key. The biggest external concern is whether the CFA could impose a nationwide ban. With no final decision confirmed, choosing a trial instead of an immediate signing is a cautious, pragmatic step: it allows the club to assess his professionalism, discipline, and emotional control while waiting for the final ruling. During the trial period, the club can also provide structured management and psychological support to judge whether real behavioral change is possible.

If a broader ban is ultimately issued, the club can terminate the process quickly and avoid deeper commitment. In addition, Jinmen Tiger has a reputation for a pragmatic, disciplined dressing-room culture, where senior players help enforce standards—something the club may believe can guide a young player back onto a professional track.

From a longer-term angle, scouting minority-ethnic talent also fits a diversified talent pipeline. Rihuo Wati’s Yi identity carries visibility, and minority players have received growing attention in recent years, often associated with strong physical traits and football instincts. If successfully developed, the club could strengthen its squad while also building an image of “inclusive development,” potentially attracting more similar talents. And for players who have gone through controversy, the motivation to seize a second chance can sometimes translate into stronger on-field commitment.

Most importantly, a trial is not a contract. Jinmen Tiger appears to be operating in a “evaluate first, decide later” framework—judging training performance, disciplinary progress, and the final disciplinary outcome before making any binding decision. This protects the club’s interests while still giving the player a chance to prove he can move forward professionally.