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CSL clubs facing rule changes on foreign players

Chinese Super League clubs are set to face new restrictions on their use of foreign players.

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has issued a draft proposal on cutting the maximum number of non-Asian players allowed in CSL clubs' squads from four to three.

Presently, teams are allowed four foreign players, plus one other non-Chinese player from an AFC nation – a system known as 4+1.

If the changes are enacted, that would fall to three foreign stars, plus the one other Asian player from outside China – a 3+1 system.

The proposal – which would bring the CSL in line with rules for the AFC Champions League - would see China's top-flight clubs limited to having three overseas players in their matchday squads.