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China’s Ministry of Public Security has revealed a widespread investigation into match-fixing, bribery, and online gambling in the country’s football leagues. Announced on 10 September, the probe involved 128 suspects and 41 clubs, marking another chapter in China’s ongoing battle against corruption in sports.
Several prominent players have faced life bans from all football-related activities. Among those barred for life are Chinese footballers Jin Jingdao, Guo Tianyu, and goalkeeper Gu Chao. Additionally, 17 others received five-year suspensions. The strict measures signal China’s intent to clean up its domestic football scene.
Meanwhile, South Korean footballer Son Jun-Ho, implicated in the investigation, publicly defended his innocence during a press conference. Son, visibly emotional, said, “They threatened that if I didn’t admit to the charges, my wife would be arrested. I said I hadn’t done anything like that.”
This latest crackdown follows a series of corruption cases in Chinese football. In March, former Chinese Football Association (CFA) chairman Chen Xuyuan was sentenced to life imprisonment for accepting bribes totaling MOP88m (£8.4m/€9.98m/$11 million). Several other high-ranking officials, including former CFA vice presidents Wang Dengfeng and Li Yuyi, also faced severe sentences for bribery and embezzlement.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy by the Chinese government to eradicate corruption in sports, furthering President Xi Jinping’s goal of revitalizing the country’s football scene.
Despite these anti-corruption initiatives, Chinese football remains mired in underperformance. The national men’s team ranks 87th in the FIFA world rankings, a disheartening position for a nation with a population of 1.4 billion. In contrast, Curaçao, a nation with only 150,000 people, ranks just ahead.
China’s disappointing football legacy continued on 5 September when the national team suffered a 7-0 defeat against Japan in a World Cup qualifier. Head coach Branko Ivankovic labeled the result as “humiliating.”