The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has imposed lifetime bans on 73 individuals, including former national team head coach Li Tie, for their involvement in match-fixing and corruption. In addition, 13 top-tier professional clubs have been penalised. The CFA announced the sanctions in a statement on Thursday.
Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, Chinese football has undergone a vigorous anti-corruption campaign in recent years, exposing systemic malpractice within the professional game. Several senior CFA officials have been dismissed, while a dozen players have faced bans for their involvement in match-fixing and gambling. The statement did not specify the exact timing or methods of the recent incidents.
The CFA confirmed on its official social media channels that the sanctions followed a “systematic review” and were deemed necessary “to maintain discipline, purify the football environment, and ensure fair competition.”
Li Tie, a former Everton player, managed China’s national team between 2019 and 2021. He had already been sentenced to 20 years in prison in December 2024 for accepting bribes. Alongside him, 72 others have now been banned from all football-related activities. The list also includes former CFA chairman Chen Shouwu, who received a life sentence for taking bribes totalling $11 million.
Most of the sanctioned clubs compete in the Chinese Super League (CSL). For the 2025 season, 11 of the 16 CSL clubs will have points deducted and face financial penalties. As a result, nine teams will begin the 2026 season with negative points due to relegation-related adjustments.
The table below summarises the penalties for the most severely sanctioned clubs:
| Club Name | Points Deducted | Fine (CNY) | Approx. USD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tianjin Jinmen Tigers | 10 | 1,000,000 | 144,000 | Harsher penalty among clubs |
| Shanghai Shenhua (Runners-up) | 10 | 1,000,000 | 144,000 | Heavy sanction applied |
| Shanghai Port (Champion, last 3 seasons) | 5 | 400,000 | 57,600 | Moderate penalty |
| Beijing Guoan | 5 | 400,000 | 57,600 | Same penalty as Shanghai Port |
The CFA did not provide detailed explanations of the clubs’ offences but indicated that the penalties were related to “match-fixing, gambling, and bribery” and were determined based on the “amount involved, circumstances, nature, and social impact.”
In its statement, the CFA emphasised a zero-tolerance approach: “We will consistently enforce strict disciplinary measures. Any breach of football regulations or discipline will be investigated and sanctioned without leniency or sympathy.”
Financial instability continues to plague Chinese professional football. Guangzhou FC, the most successful club in CSL history, ceased operations last year after failing to settle debts before the start of the new season. President Xi, a football enthusiast, has long aspired for China to host and win a World Cup, but the national team has yet to qualify for the 2026 tournament.