The Chinese FA warned 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," according to the AFP. Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande is reportedly prepared to pay at least €70M ($83.6M) for the Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund player, "trumping an offer" by rival Beijing Guoan. The CFA last year introduced a 100% 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 CFA, in a "strongly worded statement, made clear its anger at any such move." It did not name Aubameyang, but it was a "clear reference" to the 28-year-old and the two clubs. The statement said, "The news of two clubs suspected of engaging in a bidding war on a transfer has caused social concern." Stressing that the 100% surcharge "was applicable in the current winter transfer window and in the year ahead," the CFA warned, "We will watch closely every club’s transfer movement in the new season and increase scrutiny." The "hard-hitting missive is the latest salvo in the Chinese government’s war" on "irrational" overseas investments (AFP, 1/9).
