In an unprecedented move to cleanse Chinese football of systemic corruption, authorities have issued lifetime bans to 73 individuals and imposed significant sporting penalties on nine top-flight clubs. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced these stringent measures on Thursday as part of its ongoing campaign against match-fixing and financial misconduct.
Among the most prominent figures permanently barred from all football-related activities are Chen Xuyuan, former president of the CFA, and Li Tie, former national team manager and former Everton midfielder. Both officials were previously convicted in 2024 on corruption charges involving millions of dollars in bribery schemes. Li received a 20-year prison sentence while Chen was handed a life term for their roles in undermining the integrity of Chinese football.
The disciplinary actions extend beyond individuals to club-level punishments. Shanghai Shenhua, last season’s runners-up, and Tianjin Jinmen Tigers face the most severe sanctions with 10-point deductions and fines of 1 million yuan ($143,788). Defending champions Shanghai Port will begin the 2026 season with a five-point deficit.
CFA officials emphasized that the severity of punishments reflects ‘the amount, nature, seriousness and social impact of the improper transactions’ involved. This latest crackdown follows September’s disciplinary action that saw 43 officials and players receive lifetime bans, demonstrating the association’s commitment to its zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
The sweeping measures represent the most comprehensive attempt to reform Chinese football since President Xi Jinping’s call to develop the sport nationwide, addressing deep-rooted issues that have plagued the country’s football development for years.