The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has taken a strong stance against corruption within soccer, imposing lifetime bans on 73 individuals associated with the sport and penalizing nine top-tier clubs as part of its recent anti- corruption initiative over accusations of match-fixing.
Among those banned are former national team coach Li Tie and Chen Xuyuan, the previous president of the CFA.
During a press briefing held in Beijing, officials from the CFA, the Ministry of Public Security, and the General Administration of Sport detailed their ongoing battle against match-fixing, illegal betting, and corrupt officiating in football.
A senior representative from the Ministry of Public Security emphasized, "We will persist in collaborating with sports supervisory bodies to enforce strict laws and severe penalties, aiming to effectively support and thoroughly advance these efforts."
According to a CFA official, "The 73 individuals, which include Chen Xuyuan and Li Tie, have been banned for life from engaging in any football-related activities, following confirmation of their criminal offenses through judicial rulings."
In a significant legal outcome from 2024, both Li, who was in charge of the national team from 2019 to 2021, and Chen were found guilty of accepting substantial bribes. Li was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Chen is serving a life sentence.
Additional penalties have been imposed on nine clubs in the Chinese Super League (CSL).
Out of a potential total of 16 teams in the CSL this year, nine will begin their season with point deductions. Shanghai Shenhua and Tianjin Jimen Tiger are facing the most severe consequences, starting with a deficit of 10 points. Qingdao Hainiu follows with a 7-point deduction, while Henan FC and Shandong Taishan will start with 6-point reductions.
The reigning champions, Shanghai Port, along with Zheijiang FC, Beijing Guian, and Wuhan Three Towns, were also docked five points due to their involvement with a third-party agency that circumvented salary cap rules and increased player salaries during the 2023-2024 season.
Changchun Yati and Meizhou Haka, both demoted to China League One at the conclusion of the previous year, received deductions of four and three points, respectively.
The clubs faced additional fines ranging from 1 million yuan (approximately HK$1.12 million) to 200,000 yuan as part of the penalties.
While a CFA official explained that the penalties reflect the “nature, seriousness, and societal impact of the improper transactions each club has engaged in,” some fans expressed disappointment with the outcomes.
Cameron Wilson, a prominent football analyst, criticized the situation, stating it illustrates how politics adversely affects Chinese football. He remarked, “Rather than penalizing the guilty parties, the innocent fans and the entire sport in China are being punished.” Wilson added that the upcoming 2026 season has been rendered meaningless before it even begins.
The General Administration of Sport reiterated its commitment to rectifying professional conduct and ethical standards in football, indicating plans to enhance oversight responsibilities for sports administrative entities, football associations, and the Chinese Football League to combat issues of match-fixing, betting, and corrupt officiating.
This recent announcement follows previous lifetime bans issued in September 2024 against 43 players and officials linked to match-fixing activities.
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