Oscar (far right) joins Hulk (left) and Elkeson as imports for Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Chinese Super League had reportedly reduced the number of foreign non-Chinese players who will play simultaneously on the field to only three per team, one down from the former limit.
The change in rules, which will be implemented at the start of the 2017 season in March, was said to be part of an effort to "slow down the wave of big-money signings from Europe" that could make CSL clubs go bankrupt if not controlled or regulated, according to BBC Sport.
China top-flight clubs have continued their massive spending in the ongoing winter transfer window after Shanghai SIPG signed former Chelsea midfielder Oscar to a $73 million deal on Dec. 23. Cross-city rivals Shanghai Shenhua then acquired former Manchester United, Manchester City, and Juventus striker Carlos Tevez to a Chinese record-setting $86 million move six days later.
There are rumors that Chelsea strike Diego Costa could be the next European big-name to switch to the CSL this season as Tianjin Quanjian said to have offered him a whopping salary of $36 million per year.
Previously, the league allowed its clubs to field in four none-Chinese foreigners and one Asian import at the same time. But now, only three non-Chinese and one Asian foreign player will be permitted.
Clubs will also be mandated to include two under-23 Chinese footballers in their matchday rosters with at least one of them in the starting unit.
A statement was released regarding the rule change, saying that the foreign players rule must change "in order to realize 'The General Plan of Chinese Football Reform and Development' and to benefit the overall development of Chinese football and Chinese local players", via ESPN.
It also said that the amendment is necessary "to enhance the quality of the national team and to keep the professional league on a healthy, stable and consistent track".
