The state media in China has reported that Chen Xuyuan, a former president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), has been handed a life sentence for bribery.
In January, he admitted guilt to receiving bribes totaling 81 million yuan ($11.2 million; £8.9 million).
President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign has targeted various sectors including sports, finance, and the military. Within football, investigations have ensnared more than a dozen coaches and players.
During the trial at the Intermediate People’s Court of Huangshi in central China, details emerged of Chen’s illicit activities spanning from 2010 to 2023, encompassing his prior roles as president and chairman of the Shanghai International Port Group. Prosecutors revealed that Chen accepted monetary bribes and valuable items in exchange for facilitating project contracts and organizing sporting events.
The court verdict described the significant harm Chen inflicted on Chinese football, as reported by the state-controlled Xinhua news agency.
State media also reported that three other high-ranking football officials were sentenced on Tuesday to prison terms ranging from eight to 14 years for corruption.
Earlier this year, Li Tie, a former Everton midfielder and head coach of China’s national men’s soccer team, admitted to match-fixing and offering bribes, including to Chen, to secure China’s top coaching position.
China’s foreign ministry confirmed that South Korea’s Son Jun-ho, who played for Shandong Taishan, was detained in connection with a bribery case. South Korea’s foreign ministry later announced his release from custody.
In the past, President Xi has expressed his desire to elevate China into a prominent footballing nation. In 2011, he outlined his ‘three wishes’ for Chinese football: to qualify for the World Cup, host the tournament, and ultimately win the trophy.
Despite significant investments made by Chinese Super League clubs over the past decade to attract renowned international players like Oscar, Carlos Tevez, and Axel Witsel, this led to financial debts. Consequently, the CFA introduced a salary cap in 2020, aiming to channel resources towards nurturing domestic talent rather than relying heavily on foreign acquisitions.
Currently, the league hosts only a handful of international players.
The recent arrests of prominent football personalities have further hindered the nation’s football aspirations.
Nevertheless, domestic football maintains its popularity in China, though Mr. Chen’s corruption scandal deeply dismayed fans.