Aspiring Hong Kong footballers "can now look at the flourishing Chinese market as their next stop" after mainland authorities reopened the door for them, but naturalized players "will not benefit from the new rule change," according to Chan Kin-wa of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. Starting from the new season which begins in March, Hong Kong players can be registered as home players if they are recruited by a Chinese Super League club or a League One club. As a result, "they do not need to compete for the limited foreign player quota against expensive stars from overseas." Hong Kong FA Chair Brian Leung Hung-tak said, "The Chinese authorities are still working out details of the plan but it’s definitely good news for any Hong Kong player who wishes to play at a higher level. ... It’s not only a matter of money as we all know the players’ salaries on the mainland are much more attractive but it’s also about fulfilling their talent in a bigger environment." Prior to '15, Hong Kong players "were allowed to register as home players when playing in China," while some Chinese clubs also signed players from Taiwan under the same rule. However, "the door was shut" ahead of the '16 season. At last week’s preseason meeting with the clubs, the CFA said that it would "reintroduce the plan to register Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan players as home players" and each team will be allowed to sign one of them (SCMP, 12/27).
