China’s Football Association (CFA) warned on Tuesday that it was watching closely and would punish teams who flout its transfer rules, following reports two clubs are battling to sign striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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Chinese Super League (CSL) champions Guangzhou Evergrande are reportedly prepared to pay at least €70 million (HK$655.5 million) for the Borussia Dortmund predator, trumping an offer by rivals Beijing Guoan.
The CFA last year introduced a 100 per cent tax on incoming foreign transfers in an effort to encourage Chinese clubs to invest on local youth players, but media reports suggest both clubs are prepared to either incur the penalty or somehow find a way to circumvent it.
The in-demand forward (R) was recently came third in the African Player of the Year awards behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Photo: AP
The CFA, in a strongly worded statement, made clear its anger at any such move. It did not name the striker Aubameyang, but it was a clear reference to the 28-year-old and the two clubs.
“The news of two clubs suspected of engaging in a bidding war on a transfer has caused social concern,” it said, adding that it was “highly concerned” and had asked them to explain.
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“In the next step of the investigation, if any violations are found, the Chinese FA will handle this seriously according to law and regulation.”
