New season means new rules for the CSL

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As the 2018 Chinese Super League (CSL) season kicks off on Friday, and teams are all too aware of the challenges that have arisen from the 100 percent tax on foreign transfers over a certain price, and the U-23 player quota. Whether these new rules can lead to a different, but still entertaining, season remains to be seen.

China's football governing body, the Chinese Football Association (CFA), ruled that any club spending on foreign players must pay the same sum of money to a football development fund as a tax for making the signing, with the purpose of encouraging the development of young Chinese players.

The winter transfer market was quiet compared to the past few years. While the tax brought down the spending on foreign imports, Javier Mascherano went to Hebei China Fortune, Cedric Bakambu went to Beijing Guoan and Yannick Carrasco will be playing for Dalian Yifang. However, elite clubs like Shandong Luneng, Shanghai SIPG and Tianjin Quanjian didn't make any foreign signings this winter.

Shanghai SIPG start training as new CSL season begins. /VCG Photo

It's a risky move as any clubs trying to work around the rules to avoid the tax could face a penalty of up to 15 points. Several clubs like Beijing Guoan have already paid their tax, according to a CFA statement.

According to the CFA, each CSL team can only have a maximum of four foreign players in its squad, and a maximum of six foreign footballers for the season.

Also, the CFA demanded the number of foreign players in their starting line-ups should match the number of under-23 players, while at least one under-23 player should be included in the starting XI. There should be no more than three foreigners on the pitch.

Gabriel Paletta, foreign player of Jiangsu Suning arrives at the airport. /VCG Photo

The quota rules will definitely offer more chances for local young talent. A more open title race could also be expected as the quality of young players may become as important as the foreign talent.

Some are worried that the quota may have bad effect on the competitive situation. A new CSL sponsor promised on Thursday that it will donate 10,000 yuan (about 1,587 US dollars) for youth development whenever an Under-23 player scores in CSL matches.

"We will strive to build a popular super league," Vice-President of the CFA Li Yuyi, said on Thursday, adding that the 2017 CSL season attracted over 5.7 million fans and 430 million TV viewers.

Tianjin faces Huabei during a match. /VCG Photo

One hidden risk is apparent as teams intend to pay high prices for young players instead of training young talent, and that may lead to the market value of young players becoming artificially inflated.

In addition, the quota poses a test for coaches, because they need to figure out how many under-23 players they need in their first XI.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency