New rules restrict foreign footballers in China Super League
In a bid to develop younger local players in the Chinese Super League, the Chinese Football Association has brought forward new rules that state each team can only field three foreign players on the pitch at one time, with five foreign players allowed in the 18-man match day squad. Additionally, two Chinese under-23 players must be included in the squad, and one must start each match. Previously, teams were allowed to field one non-Chinese Asian foreign player along with three foreign players. The new rules, previously touted for 2018, will come into force when the season starts in March.

Teams in the Chinese Super League can only field three foreign players in a game following the introduction of new rules.

China's domestic football league will kick off in March with its popularity gaining momentum following the recent acquisition of stars from the English top-flight, such as Chelsea duo Oscar (Shanghai SIPG) and John Obi Mikel (Tianjin TEDA).

Sky sources have also reported Blues striker Diego Costa has become unsettled by a £30m-per-year offer from a Chinese club and was involved in a training ground spat, reportedly ended by manager Antonio Conte telling him to "go to China".

However, there appears to be concern over the lack of development for younger local players with the Chinese Football Association announcing an immediate cut to the number of overseas stars allowed in the league.

Every team will only be allowed to have three foreign players on the pitch at one time, and can only have five in the 18-man match day squad.

There must also be two Chinese U23 players in the squad and one must start. Up to now, teams had been allowed to field three foreign players and one non-Chinese Asian foreign player.

The new rules were due to be introduced in 2018, but will now be in force for the start of this season. The ban on foreign goalkeepers remains.

Sky Sports secured the rights last year to show live games from the Chinese Super League for three seasons.