Press "PandaGuides" above to follow us!
China’s Football Association (CFA) has handed lifetime bans to 43 individuals, including prominent former players, as part of a sweeping crackdown on corruption in the country’s football industry. The punishments come after a two-year investigation into match-fixing, bribery, and illegal gambling, revealing widespread corruption that has tarnished the sport.
Among those banned are several notable figures, including former Chinese internationals Jin Jingdao, Guo Tianyu, Gu Chao, and South Korean player Son Jun-ho. Cameroon’s Donovan Ewolo was also implicated. In total, 38 professional players and five club officials have been permanently banned. Additionally, 15 players and two officials were handed five-year bans. The case has drawn significant attention, with many expressing disappointment in the revelations.
The investigation, which involved China’s General Administration of Sport and the Ministry of Public Security, exposed corruption in 120 matches across 41 football clubs. Zhang Xiaopeng, a senior official from the Ministry of Public Security, stated that 128 individuals were suspected of engaging in criminal activities, including bribery, match-fixing, and online gambling. Forty-four of those implicated are now facing criminal charges for their roles in these schemes.
Fans have reacted strongly to the news, with many voicing their frustration over the ongoing scandals. One fan commented, “This is a dark day for Chinese football. We were hoping for a brighter future, but corruption keeps holding us back.” Another expressed disappointment in the players: “These were players we looked up to, and now they’ve let the whole country down.”
The crackdown follows growing dissatisfaction with the state of Chinese football, which has struggled with corruption, financial instability, and poor performance on the international stage. In 2023, Du Zhaocai, the deputy head of China’s top sports body, was dismissed amid a wider investigation into football corruption. His removal marked the highest-profile departure in a wave of purges, which also saw former national team coach Li Tie and CFA president Chen Xuyuan placed under investigation.
CFA President Song Kai emphasized that these bans send a clear message to the football community. “Those who engage in illegal activities such as match-fixing and gambling will face severe consequences. We are committed to restoring integrity in Chinese football,” he said during a press conference.
Despite the strict measures, fans remain skeptical about the sport’s future. “This is a good start, but will it be enough to clean up the mess?” one fan asked online. Another added, “Football needs to be rebuilt from the ground up, and we need more transparency going forward.”
As the investigation continues, officials have vowed that anyone involved in corruption will be held accountable, with further announcements expected. Fans hope that this latest effort will mark the beginning of a new era for Chinese football.
