Naturalization and International Eligibility of Football Players

The naturalization of football players is undoubtedly the hottest topic in Chinese football right now. Following new directives from the CFA, 2019 marks the beginning of players becoming naturalized so that Chinese clubs and the Chinese national team can be more competitive. Some players with Chinese ancestry have already been naturalized, such as Beijing Guoan players John Hou Saeter (Norwegian-Chinese) and Nico Yennaris (English-Chinese), and it is expected that others may join them soon.

Introduction

Since 2015, Chinese football has undergone substantial reform at all levels, from grassroots to the national team, with the purpose of turning China in a global footballing power. To achieve this aim, the Chinese Government has introduced some comprehensive programs[1], mainly focused on the development of youth players. These programs’ measures have been gradually implemented by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) through the release of different policies.

However, these policies are not enough. With growing political and media...

Why not join us?

Football Legal is an independent media publishing football law contents on a daily basis dedicated to all football law practitioners (lawyers, clubs, federations, intermediaries, football stakeholders, etc.).

Get started

Naturalization and International Eligibility of Football Players – China Perspective

Introduction

Why not join us?

Topics

Keywords

Authored by