By CGTN’s Zhang Anji
The first match of the 2017 Chinese Super League (CSL) was held on Friday. The CSL’s new “U23” rule was immediately put to the test, as Guizhou Zhicheng hosted Liaoning Kaixin and replaced 21-year-old starter Wang Qiao without any explanation in the 17th minute.
Yan Qiang, founder of Score Sports and a football commentator, said the purpose of this new rule is to "help China produce more capable football players."
Yan Qiang, football commentator and founder of Score Sports. /CFP Photo
Yan continued: "The policy itself is serious, but it’s not really sensible according to several different clubs. The competition should be the league itself -- enhancing the international status of the Chinese Super League and broadening the capabilities of its clubs.”
“It is the government’s role to enact more strict requirements for international players. The reason is to protect domestic talent, which is important for the growth of the CSL. I doubt the policy will last long," Yuan added.
The new “U23” rule, issued on January 15, states that at least one player under the age of 23 should be in each team’s starting line-up. Meanwhile, the rule on foreign players was modified to stipulate that clubs can only put three foreigners on the pitch at one time.
