A Chinese company that agreed to sponsor the Portuguese second division has been forced to row back on its demands that 10 Chinese players be included in the starting line-ups of the top teams following a national outcry.

The move was criticised by the Portuguese players’ union, which argued that players would not be selected on merit, and it was considered that such a demand would be illegal anyway.

The Portuguese Liga has indicated that it is open to the exchange of players and that clubs may receive money for playing with Chinese players, but that no team is obligated to use them.

The Chinese LED light manufacturer Ledman is also sending three assistant coaches to work with the clubs.

Ledman describes itself as “the official sponsor of Chinese Super League and the strategic partner of Chinese Football Association”.

In a statement on its website it says: “Ledman is the exclusive title sponsor of Segunda Liga, and from the date of signing, Segunda Liga will be officially named as Ledman Proliga.

“And Ledman obtains a series of business cooperation rights, also becomes the first Chinese company that title sponsors the European football league; Ledman will send 10 players and three assistant coaches to play football in the top 10 clubs of Segunda Liga, and devotes to enhancing the level of Chinese players.”