Chinese Football Association to implement measures to reduce "irrational" spending

The governing body of football in China plans to create a series of measures in response to what it called "irrational" spending by clubs on transfer fees and player salaries, amid concerns that foreign stars will displace local talent and undermine the country's goal of becoming a force in the sport globally.

The Chinese Football Association announced on Monday through a statement that the measures will focus on the "operations and management" of teams in the Chinese first and second divisions.

The regulations will also address "recent irrational investments by clubs, high transfer fees and salaries paid to domestic and international athletes, and other issues," the Association detailed in the document.

The large sums offered by Chinese clubs to players like Argentine Carlos Tevez have attracted worldwide attention, increasing fears that Chinese players will receive fewer opportunities. This could hinder the government's attempts to produce the talent capable of achieving its goal of winning a World Cup by 2050, part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's efforts to make football success a national priority.

Other rules announced by the Chinese Football Association seemed to address the lack of opportunities for Chinese footballers. These measures reduce the number of foreigners that can be on the pitch at the same time from four to three per club, and require that all starting line-ups include at least two Chinese players under the age of 23.

Shanghai Shenhua reported paying a transfer fee of $11 million to Argentine club Boca Juniors for Tevez. Brazilian player Oscar was acquired from Chelsea, while compatriots Hulk, Ramires, Alex Teixeira, and Paulinho, Colombian forward Jackson Martinez, and Argentine forward Ezequiel Lavezzi also joined the league.

It is estimated that Chinese first division teams have spent around $300 million during the winter transfer period.