A former president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), Chen Xuyuan, has recently been sentenced to life in prison for bribery, as reported by the country’s state media. In January, Chen pleaded guilty to accepting bribes totaling 81 million yuan ($11.2m; £8.9m). This scandal has brought to light the prevalence of corruption in Chinese football, with over a dozen coaches and players under investigation.
The trial at the Intermediate People’s Court of Huangshi in central China revealed Chen’s illicit activities from 2010 to 2023, during which time he also held positions at the Shanghai International Port Group. Prosecutors accused Chen of accepting money and valuables in exchange for securing project contracts and organizing sporting events. The court ruling highlighted the significant harm Chen’s actions have caused to China’s football industry.
This scandal is just the latest in a series of corruption cases plaguing Chinese football. Earlier this year, former Everton midfielder and national team coach Li Tie admitted to match-fixing and offering bribes, including to Chen, in order to secure top coaching positions.
President Xi Jinping has long expressed his desire to elevate China’s status as a footballing nation, with ambitions to qualify for the World Cup, host the tournament, and eventually win the trophy. However, recent events have cast a shadow over these aspirations. Despite significant investments in foreign talent over the past decade, the focus has shifted towards developing local players.
The recent arrests and convictions have dealt a blow to China’s football dreams, but the sport remains immensely popular among the Chinese population. The scandal involving Chen Xuyuan has sent shockwaves through the football community, underscoring the urgent need for reform and transparency in the country’s football governance.