Argetinean forward Carlos Tevez is among the many international soccer personalities enticed to head to China. (Photo : Getty Images)
A major personality in the Chinese soccer scene called on clubs not to respond drastically to the new regulations being imposed on foreign transfers.
Avoiding the Bubble
Li Ruigang, chairman of CMC Holdings, made the appeal during the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
He expressed hope that Chinese teams would not suddenly turn their backs on foreign players, noting that these players bring in skills to the local scene, as well as help popularize the sport in the country, Bloomberg reported.
Li's company purchased the broadcasting rights for the Chinese Super League for a record $1.2 billion.
The businessman cautioned that such a move could potentially create a bubble that can cause problems for the local soccer scene.
On Jan. 5, the General Administration of Sports announced that they will be regulating and restraining the signing of high-value players. The GAS added that it will also be making restrictions on the high incomes given to these players.
In response to the new regulations,l the CSL also imposed new rules for foreign imports. Clubs will now be able to field only three foreign players, instead of four. They will now also not be allowed to field an Asian player outside of the above quota.
CSL clubs are also now required to field in at least one player under the age of 23.
Soccer Supervisory Group Unveils Revenue Goals
Meanwhile, the country's soccer governing body unveiled the revenue goals and spending budgets it has set as targets for the first time.
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) said that it is expecting to earn a total of $113 million in revenues for 2017, Caixin Global reported. The figure is up by 2 percent from the goal set by the body in 2015.
The CFA also anticipates its expenses to total around $97.4 million.
The body's move to reveal its financial projections is seen as part of the effort to increase its transparency and improve the reputation of the sport. Soccer in China has a negative reputation for corruption and unfair play.
However, sports commentator and author Wu Celi said that the reveal of the target figures mean little unless the CFA also provides details on how the funds are going to be utilized.
