Chinese football's governing body has released a three-stage plan and related punishment measures to address professional football clubs' wage arrears issues.

These solutions were announced after the Chinese Football Association (CFA) and the preparatory group of China professional football union convened clubs from Chinese Super League (CSL), China League One and China League Two to hold an online meeting on Sunday, along with the list of clubs admitted to three-tier professional leagues in 2022.

The CFA told Xinhua that 18, 17 and 22 football clubs had passed the admission audit of the CSL, China League One and China League Two respectively.

In light of situations of Chinese professional football and different clubs, the CFA has issued a plan to address wage arrears in different phases, giving related clubs more time to raise funds and improve their operating conditions.

The move is aimed at safeguarding the interests of players and other employees, and clubs are also eligible to participate in the league after submitting specific back pay solutions.

The CFA requires that clubs shall not have new wage arrears issues in the upcoming season. Three stages are planned to solve the problem of wage arrears in 2021 and seasons before. The settlement of back pay shall not be less than 30 percent of the total amount before July 31, not less than 70 percent before October 31, and all unpaid wages shall be settled by December 31.

The CFA also clarified punishment measures. Clubs that repay less than 30 percent of total arrears by July 31 will be banned from registering new players in the second transfer window of the 2022 season and deducted three points. Clubs that repay less than 70 percent of total arrears by October 31 will be deducted six points. Clubs will be relegated or disqualified if they fail to clear off the arrears by December 31.

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