CFA denies rumors of Chinese Super League expansion to 20 teams

BEIJING -- The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has denied recent speculation that the Chinese Super League (CSL) will be expanded from 16 to 20 teams from next season.

"There are reports saying that the CSL will expand to 20 teams since next season, but it is not true," the CFA stated on its Weibo social media account on Tuesday.

The 2018 CSL season concluded last Sunday and saw Shanghai SIPG lift the title, ending Guangzhou Evergrande's seven-season dominance.

However, the CFA admitted that some reform measures are under consideration, including curbing transfer spending and setting a salary cap.

In addition, a newly-introduced U-23 league will begin in December with the aim of improving the quality of local youth players.