In a significant move to combat corruption in football, China's Football Association has handed lifetime bans to 43 individuals involved in match-fixing and other forms of corruption. The crackdown comes as part of a comprehensive effort to address long-standing issues within the country's football landscape.
An extensive two-year investigation led by a top police official, Zhang Xiaopeng, revealed a web of online gambling, match-fixing, and bribery activities. The probe implicated a total of 120 matches, 128 criminal suspects, and 41 clubs in various illicit activities.
Among those banned for life were 38 players and five club officials, with additional players and officials receiving shorter bans. Notably, even foreign players who were enticed to China with lucrative salaries found themselves facing consequences for their involvement in corrupt practices.
Several former Chinese internationals, including Jin Jingdao, Guo Tianyu, and Gu Chao, were among those handed lifetime bans from the sport. The stringent measures underscore China's commitment to upholding integrity and fair play in football.
Meanwhile, the national team faced Saudi Arabia in a crucial match as part of the Asian qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup. This comes shortly after a disappointing 7-0 defeat to Japan, highlighting the challenges facing Chinese football as it strives for success on the international stage.
With these decisive actions against corruption, China aims to restore trust and credibility in its football ecosystem, paving the way for a more transparent and competitive sporting environment.
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