Chinese Football Association Bans 43 People for Life Over Match-Fixing and Gambling

On March 3, 2005, the Chinese men’s football team lost 1-3 against the North Korean team in the qualifiers for the Fourth East Asian men’s football team. (Image source: Getty Images)

Chinese Football Association Announces Punishment List

According to AFP citing official Chinese media Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese Football Association announced on Tuesday (September 10) that 43 people, including 3 ex-Chinese national football team players and South Korean international Son Jun-ho, were banned for life from participating in any domestic football-related activities.

Crackdown on Corruption in Chinese Sports

Agence France-Presse reported that in recent years, the Chinese government has increased its crackdown on corruption in the world of Chinese sports, especially in the world of football, and has imprisoned a number of senior officials.

Investigation into Illegal Gambling and Match-Fixing

China’s Ministry of Public Security said a total of 128 people were involved in a two-year investigation into illegal gambling and match-fixing in Chinese football, and 43 people were banned from participating in any football activities in the country for life.

Former National Players Banned for Life

Former Chinese international Jin Jingdao, who also plays for the Shandong Taishan team, is said to have also been included in the lifetime ban list. Former national football team player Wang Song was also banned for five years.

Senior Officials Sacked Over Corruption Investigations

Agence France-Presse reported that China’s soccer governing body itself has also come under strict scrutiny, with more than a dozen senior officials sacked over corruption investigations.

Former Chairman Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

In March this year, the Chinese government sentenced former chairman Chen Xuyuan to life imprisonment for accepting what it called “extraordinarily large” bribes. In August, a Chinese court sentenced former Chinese Football Association Vice Chairman Li Yuyi to 11 years in prison for taking bribes.

Chinese Football Association to Report to International Organizations

Song Kai, chairman of the Chinese Football Association, said that now after the disciplinary decision is announced, the relevant situation will be honestly reported to international organizations, and the relevant international organizations will decide whether to take further action.