According to the British Newspaper Mirror, 13 clubs in the Chinese Super League could be denied entry into the league next season after failing to pay some of their players’ salaries.
The clubs under investigation include title-holders Guangzhou Evergrande, Shanghai Shenhua, and big-spending Shanghai SIPG, where superstars Oscar, Hulk, and Ricardo Carvalho play under the guidance of Andres Villas-Boas.
All 13 clubs must settle their debts by August 15 and send proof to the Chinese Super League or face being denied entry to the league next season.
This controversy comes six months after the Chinese government moved to intervene in club spending.
In June, Chinese Football Association (CFA) has announced plans to slow rampant spending by forcing teams to pay double for any new signings.
The statement said: “Clubs that spend more than spending restrictions rule will have to pay an equivalent amount into the ‘Chinese Football Development Fund’, which is established to support the development of young players, the promotion of grassroots football and charitable infrastructures, and the nation’s strategy on the revitalization of football.”