Beijing, China — In a significant crackdown on corruption in Chinese football, 43 individuals have been handed lifetime bans over allegations of illegal gambling and match-fixing. Among those banned are three former Chinese internationals and South Korean player Son Jun-ho, according to state news agency Xinhua.
This action is part of a broader investigation by Chinese authorities, which implicated 128 people in a two-year probe into widespread corruption in the domestic football scene. The Chinese public security ministry revealed that the investigation uncovered extensive illegal activities aimed at manipulating match outcomes for profit.
The announcement came just hours before China’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia, casting a shadow over the national team’s preparations.
Key Players Implicated
Son Jun-ho, a former midfielder for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League, was one of the high-profile names on the list of lifetime bans. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) accused Son of participating in match-fixing and accepting bribes. Son had returned to South Korea in March after being held in China since May 2023.
Also on the ban list is Jin Jingdao, a former Chinese international who played alongside Son at Shandong Taishan. Both players were key figures in Chinese football before being implicated in the scandal.
Widespread Corruption in Chinese Football
The latest bans are part of a larger effort by Beijing to clean up corruption in its sports sector, particularly in football. In recent years, several top officials from the CFA have been jailed as part of ongoing investigations.
In March, Chen Xuyuan, the former chairman of the CFA, was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of accepting what the government described as “particularly huge” bribes. Similarly, in August, former CFA vice president Li Yuyi was sentenced to 11 years in prison for bribery.
The arrests and lifetime bans underscore the Chinese government’s intensified efforts to address corruption in football, a sport that has struggled with integrity issues for years. With about 10 high-ranking CFA officials already brought down in corruption probes, the government appears determined to root out misconduct at all levels.
A Dark Day for Chinese Football
As the nation grapples with these revelations, the spotlight on Chinese football’s integrity grows even brighter. The timing of the announcement — just before a key World Cup qualifier — further highlights the seriousness of the issue, raising questions about the future of Chinese football and its ability to restore credibility both domestically and internationally.
China’s football governing body, under intense scrutiny, will likely continue its efforts to reform the sport, but the stain of these allegations may linger for years to come.
