- Beijing’s warning against ‘colluding with capital’ sounds vague but is likely significant – and a sign its campaign targeting the private sector is about to widen
- China has good reasons to scale back excesses but its methods have fuelled leftist hype, prompting concerns it is abandoning the principles behind its economic success
John Hou Saeter, who is known as Hou Yongyong in China, was the first foreign soccer player to get Chinese citizenship. Photo: Handout
Chinese Football Association wants naturalised players to have ‘patriotic feelings’ and learn about the party
- Directive issued by national soccer body says footballers who become citizens must study Chinese, the country’s culture and history
- Clubs are to assign staff to track players’ thoughts and performance and file a written report to the CFA every month
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Xi Jinping
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John Hou Saeter, who is known as Hou Yongyong in China, was the first foreign soccer player to get Chinese citizenship. Photo: Handout
It is not enough for foreign soccer players who want to represent China to renounce their nationality and obtain Chinese citizenship, according to the nation’s football body.
Now, they must be educated to be patriotic, learn about the ruling Communist Party, and their clubs must report on their thoughts – whatever is on their mind – every month.
That’s according to a directive issued by the Chinese Football Association on Friday night on how to manage foreign footballers who have become Chinese citizens.
Beijing Guoan’s Nico Yennaris is among the naturalised players who will have to wait to make their debut in the CSL. Photo: Twitter
Chinese Super League: CFA rules naturalised players can’t represent new teams on the eve of new season start
- Beijing Guoan have signed two naturalised players but they could be ineligible to play against Wuhan in their CSL opener
- It is hoped naturalised players can strengthen China national team
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Chinese Super League
Beijing Guoan’s Nico Yennaris is among the naturalised players who will have to wait to make their debut in the CSL. Photo: Twitter
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