Foreign refs recruited for CSL conclusion

HONG KONG - Chinese soccer authorities have announced foreign referees will be drafted in to work on the final weeks of the Chinese Super League season in a move to boost the standard of officiating in the big-spending league.

Sweden's Jonas Eriksson and Tony Chapron from France will referee Tianjin Quanjian's meeting with Shandong Luneng and Shanghai Shenhua's clash with Tianjin Teda respectively as the first part of a move to "improve the accuracy of officiating", the Chinese Football Association said in a statement.

"In order to ensure a smooth finish to the season, from round 27 onwards the Chinese Football Association will invite referees from Europe and the Americas to officiate on crucial games," the statement said.