China Hands Lifetime Bans to Football Officials Amid Corruption Crackdown

2026-01-29 07:25:32

(MENAFN) China has imposed lifetime bans on 73 individuals from all football-related activities, including former Chinese Football Association president Chen Xuyuan, as part of an ongoing "anti-corruption campaign," according to reports.

Former national team coach Li Tie was also among those banned, highlighting the sweeping nature of the disciplinary measures. Chen, who was convicted of bribery in 2024, is serving a life sentence.

In addition to individual sanctions, 13 football clubs—including Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, Shanghai Shenhua, Shanghai Port, and Beijing Guoan—will face points deductions and financial penalties in the 2026 season. Shanghai Shenhua and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger were each fined 1 million yuan (approximately $143,788).

Officials described the bans as part of China’s intensified efforts to root out corruption in the football sector. This follows a previous crackdown in September 2024, when 43 individuals were banned for life over gambling and match-fixing activities.

MENAFN29012026000045017640ID1110667830

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.