December 30 – The Chinese Super League has introduced a salary cap of £2 million a year, a move that will redraw clubs’ transfer policies and spending. Domestic players will be allowed to earn a maximum of £1.1 million a year.
The Chinese Football Association, the CFA, has introduced the cap to force clubs towards more sustainable economic models. “Our clubs had too much money burned and our professional football has not been run in a sustainable way,” said CFA chairman Chen Xuyuan. “If we don’t take the appropriate measures, I’m scared it will collapse.”
The CSL was founded in 2004, but has boomed in recent years with an influx of international stars following big money transfers. Carlos Tevez, Oscar, John Obi Mikel, Marouane Fellaini, Oscar and Marko Arnautovic all moved to China enticed by major salaries, but that era will now come to an end with the salary cap imposed by the national association. Oscar is reportedly on £400,000-per-week and Fellaini on £235,000. A contract renewal would imply a big pay cut.
Clubs will also be limited to spending £120 million per year, and wages can account for no more than 60% of that figure.
The news of the financial restrictions came as China announced the host venues for the 2021 Club World Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1732436813labto1732436813ofdlr1732436813owedi1732436813sni@o1732436813fni1732436813
