In a decisive move to combat corruption, Chinese football authorities have imposed lifetime bans on 43 individuals, including three former China internationals and South Korean World Cup star Son Jun-ho. The bans are the result of a two-year investigation into illegal gambling and match-fixing within the domestic game, conducted by the Chinese public security ministry.
The crackdown reflects the ongoing efforts of Chinese President Xi Jinping to eradicate corruption within Chinese sports, especially football. Xi, a self-proclaimed football enthusiast, has openly expressed his aspiration for China to host and win the World Cup. However, repeated corruption scandals and disappointing on-field performances have cast a shadow over this ambition.
Among the 43 banned individuals, the majority are players, with the investigation implicating a total of 128 individuals. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has accused Son, who previously played for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League, of engaging in match-fixing and accepting bribes. The midfielder, who participated in three of South Korea’s four matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, returned to South Korea in March after being detained in China since May 2023.
Another prominent figure on the ban list is former Chinese international Jin Jingdao, also a player for Shandong Taishan.
The CFA itself has come under scrutiny, with approximately 10 high-ranking officials facing corruption charges. In March, Chen Xuyuan, the former chairman of the CFA, was sentenced to life in prison for accepting what the government deemed “particularly huge” bribes. The court stated that his actions “seriously damaged fair competition and order” within the sport. Chen is accused of leveraging his positions within the CFA and other organizations to illegally accumulate 81.03 million yuan ($11 million) in bribes.
This crackdown extends beyond the CFA, with other individuals in the football ecosystem facing consequences. In March, former China national team head coach and ex-Everton midfielder Li Tie pleaded guilty to accepting over $10.7 million in bribes and assisting in match-fixing. Gou Zhongwen, the former director of the General Administration of Sport of China, is currently under investigation for corruption. In August, Li Yuyi, a former vice president of the CFA, received an 11-year prison sentence for accepting bribes and was fined $140,000.
These sweeping measures reflect the seriousness with which the Chinese government is addressing corruption in football. The authorities aim to restore integrity and accountability within the sport, paving the way for a brighter future for Chinese football.
