Why the newly introduced foreign player cap could be good news for Chinese soccer

The scrapping of the old ‘4 plus 1’ ruling will lead to more domestic talent being given the chance to shine and working closely with the many world class managers plying their trade in China

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China’s players benefit most from the new ruling on a cap for foreign players in the Chinese Super League. Photo: AFP

Published: 3:22pm, 17 Jan 2017Updated: 3:38pm, 17 Jan 2017

It may have ruffled a few feathers around the continent but the decision by the China Football Association (CFA) to abolish the so-called ‘Asian quota’ in the Chinese Super League is the right move for the country’s development in the long-term.

In the short, it means chaos as it was announced less than two months before the start of the 2017 season and more than two weeks after the opening of the transfer window meaning that clubs have already devised and perhaps executed transfer strategies.

But it was going to happen sooner – probably in 2018 – rather than later.

Clubs can still sign five players but there will not be a place reserved for players from elsewhere in the Asian Football Confederation. Instead, coaches will have to include at least one local under-23 player in the starting eleven and another in the 18-man matchday squad. More local youngsters can only be a good thing.

Former Chelsea star Oscar considers himself and other players heading east to continue their careers as pioneers for a new era in world football. Photo: AP

The signing of stars such as Oscar and Carlos Tevez can continue but there are almost certain to be less South Koreans, Uzbeks and Australians in the league in the months and years to come.

The South Americans are brought in for their name value and their attacking capabilities. It can be debated as to whether there are too many. It is the age-old question: does China import attackers because there are no good Chinese equivalents around or is there a lack of local options because China imports attackers?