Players, coaches and senior officials sanctioned as authorities intensify efforts to restore integrity and credibility to Chinese football
Chinese football authorities have taken one of their toughest actions yet against corruption in sport, issuing lifetime bans to 73 individuals implicated in match-fixing, bribery and other serious misconduct. The unprecedented disciplinary move forms part of a broader national campaign aimed at eradicating long-standing corruption issues and rebuilding trust in the country’s professional football system.
The individuals banned include a wide cross-section of the football ecosystem, ranging from former senior administrators and club executives to coaches and professional players. Under the sanctions, those found guilty are prohibited for life from participating in any football-related activity, whether in administrative, technical or sporting roles. Officials say the severity of the punishments reflects the scale and systemic nature of the wrongdoing uncovered during the investigations.
Among the most high-profile figures affected are former Chinese Football Association (CFA) president Chen Xuyuan and ex-national team head coach Li Tie. Both men were previously convicted on corruption charges after admitting to receiving substantial bribes during their time in office. Their cases have become symbolic of deeper governance failures that authorities are now seeking to address decisively.
The lifetime bans are part of a coordinated effort involving the CFA and multiple state bodies, including law enforcement and sports regulators. Investigations revealed extensive networks of illegal betting, match manipulation and financial inducements that undermined fair competition across several tiers of the domestic game. Officials noted that corruption had not only damaged the credibility of competitions but also discouraged investment and eroded public confidence in football’s governance.
In addition to individual sanctions, several professional clubs have also been punished for their involvement in corruption-related offences. Penalties include heavy fines, points deductions and other sporting sanctions ahead of upcoming league seasons. Authorities said these measures are intended to reinforce accountability at both individual and institutional levels.
The CFA described the crackdown as a zero-tolerance approach designed to “purify the football environment” and re-establish integrity as the foundation of the sport’s development. By imposing the harshest possible penalties, regulators hope to send a strong deterrent message and signal a new era of transparency and discipline.
As China looks to revive its football ambitions and restore public trust, the sweeping bans mark a decisive step toward cleaning up the sport and ensuring that future competitions are conducted fairly and credibly.
