WFF 2016: "In China, the average annual salary of players is $1.4m (€1.27m)" (M. Goddard, FIFA TMS)

"We have around 13,500 total cross-border transfers per year in the international transfer market. And this generates $4.2bn (€3.8bn) in transfer fees. Since 2011, spending on international transfers increased by 44.2% worldwide, while the volume of transactions increased by only 3.5% on average each year," said Mark Goddard, general manager of FIFA TMS, on 08/07/2016, during the second day of the World Football Forum 2016.

This convention took place on 07 and 08/07/2016 in Paris (FRA), around the theme of "The New Geography of Football", which analysed China's impact on world football and its economy, the emergence of India in football, and opportunities in emerging football markets: Russia (host of the 2018 World Cup), Qatar (host of the 2022 World Cup), Southeast Asia and Africa.

"Chinese clubs have spent $298m (€270m) in international transfers fees since the beginning of 2016, which is obviously number one (among countries). England is number two with $181m (€163.9m). The strongest stream of players coming into the country is from Portugal to China, with 18 players arriving to…