Former president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), Chen Xuyuan, has been handed a life sentence for his involvement in bribery, marking a significant development in China’s anti-corruption crackdown within the sports sector.
Chen Xuyuan, along with several senior sporting executives, was sentenced on Tuesday following an extensive investigation, as reported by state media.
The court revealed that Chen pleaded guilty to accepting bribes totaling 81 million yuan ($11.2m; £8.9m) over a period spanning from 2010 to 2023. This illegal activity occurred during his tenure as president and chairman of the Shanghai International Port Group.
The trial at the Intermediate People’s Court of Huangshi uncovered Chen’s acceptance of money and valuables in exchange for influencing project contracts and organising sporting events.
Consequently, Chen Xuyuan had his assets confiscated and was deprived of his political rights for life, a common penalty for ‘disgraced’ officials in China.
The court condemned Chen’s actions, emphasizing the detrimental impact on the integrity of the football industry, both nationally and internationally.
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State media also reported that three other senior football officials received prison sentences ranging from eight to 14 years for their involvement in corruption.
This latest development comes amid a broader anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping, which has targeted various sectors including sport, banking, and the military. In football alone, numerous coaches and players have been subject to investigation.
Earlier this year, former Everton midfielder and ex-head coach of China’s national men’s soccer team, Li Tie, admitted to match-fixing and offering bribes, implicating figures such as Chen Xuyuan in his confession.
The detentions of prominent football figures have dealt a blow to China’s aspirations to become a major footballing nation, a vision championed by President Xi Jinping.
The corruption scandal has sent shockwaves through the football community, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the sport’s integrity in the country.