China's plans of vast expenditure in the footballing market have seen a spanner thrown into the works, following reports from wildeastfootball.net that indicate the Chinese government have introduced a major rule change.

What's the word?

Newspapers across the world will be distraught by the news that could cost them plenty of back-page exposure, after reports emerged that China have approved a major rule change that limits teams from featuring more than three foreigners in their side.

China has gained vast attention in recent transfer windows with eye-watering captures, including Oscar from Chelsea and veteran Argentine striker Carlos Tevez from South America, but their plans of world domination will now be scrapped.

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The rule change will allow Chinese teams to have five foreigners within their squad but only three can be on the field at one time, whilst the '3+1' rule concerning Asian players will also be scrapped for the forthcoming season.

What does this mean for Chelsea?

Well, the chances of Diego Costa leaving for China this summer have been reduced quite a bit. Chelsea have seen a number of their players grab the headlines following moves to the Far East, including Oscar in this window, but this rule change may be the end of it.

The BBC have reported Chelsea have no intention to sell, but state China's interest, whilst Sky Sports journalist Jim White has claimed an audacious wage of £576k-a-week has been offered to the Spaniard. Now though, the rule may have put an end to the chances of a major transfer.

The rule is similar to what is seen in the MLS, where teams have a wage cap that must be adhered too but are allowed three designated players outside of this rule, which emerged following David Beckham's move to the States and has allowed the likes of David Villa, Kaka and Sebastian Giovinco to excel.

Deemed to be a step in the right direction for China's plans of growing their national game, it will also help the league grow in credibility- whilst it will also help Chelsea keep hold of Diego Costa.

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