Chinese Football Association cracks down on shadow contracts, clubs involved are relegated and players involved are banned for 2 years.

On the afternoon of December 3rd, the Chinese Football Association announced through official channels the "Financial Agreement Indicators for Chinese Football Professional League Clubs," specifying the expenditure limits for each level of professional league clubs for a single fiscal year, player "salary cap," and club "investment cap." At the same time, clear penalties for various financial violations have been outlined. Of particular interest is that clubs found to have signed "shadow contracts" with players through deception will face severe penalties, including relegation, while the players involved will be suspended for 2 years. The Chinese Football Association has clearly defined strict disciplinary measures for financial violations and breaches.