Seventy-three players have been banned due to match-fixing.

In a sweeping crackdown on corruption within Chinese football, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) has announced lifetime bans for 73 individuals implicated in match-fixing and bribery scandals. Among those sanctioned is Li Tie, former head coach of China’s national football team and a former player for English club Everton.

The CFA’s decisive action forms part of a broader anti-corruption campaign under President Xi Jinping, reflecting the Chinese government’s zero-tolerance approach towards malpractice in professional sports. In addition to the individual bans, the CFA has imposed strict punitive measures on 13 top-tier professional football clubs.

“This is the result of a systematic review and thorough investigation,” a CFA spokesperson stated. “Those involved in unethical practices have been identified and held fully accountable.”

Li Tie, one of the most high-profile figures implicated, is already serving a 20-year prison sentence for accepting bribes. The lifetime ban now bars him from any future involvement in Chinese football at all levels.

Also among those punished is Chen Shuyuan, former chairman of the CFA, who was convicted of accepting approximately USD 11 million in bribes. Chen has already received a life imprisonment sentence and has now been prohibited permanently from participating in football-related activities.

The campaign has already seen several senior CFA officials arrested and convicted in recent years, signalling a determined effort to clean up the sport. The latest sanctions represent one of the most extensive disciplinary measures in the history of Chinese football, sending a strong message to players, coaches, and administrators alike.

Key Sanctions at a Glance:

The CFA emphasised that these actions are not isolated but part of a sustained effort to restore integrity to Chinese football. “We are committed to ensuring transparency, fairness, and professionalism across all levels of the sport,” the association confirmed.

Observers note that China’s football corruption scandals have plagued the sport for decades, and these latest measures mark a historic step in the nation’s fight against systemic corruption. With a clear message of zero tolerance, the CFA hopes to safeguard the sport’s reputation and foster a culture of ethical conduct in the years to come.