Former Chinese Soccer Chief Sentenced to Life in Prison for Corruption Amidst National Efforts to Boost Football Industry
The Chinese soccer scene has been rocked by a significant development as the former head of China’s official soccer association, Chen Xuyuan, was sentenced to life in prison by the Intermediate People’s Court in Huangshi, Hubei province. This verdict marks the latest chapter in China’s ongoing crackdown on corruption within its professional football league (1).
Chen, a prominent figure in Chinese soccer, was taken into custody alongside multiple senior sports executives following a comprehensive investigation that lasted several months (2). The anti-graft probe targeted not only Chen but also other high-ranking officials, such as former vice-president Yu Hongchen and former national team head coach Li Tie (3).
Despite Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s ambitious vision to transform China into a soccer superpower, the country’s development of high-level professional soccer has long been plagued by questionable financial decisions and systemic corruption (4). Chen is just one of many senior officials ensnared in this ongoing anti-corruption effort.
In handing down the sentence, the court stated that Chen had exploited his position to provide favors and support for individuals and companies in exchange for monetary rewards, amassing an “outlandishly high” sum of $10.6 million (77 million yuan) out of a total of $11.2 million (81 million yuan) between 2010 and 2023 (5). This illicit activity has significantly damaged the integrity and fairness within China’s soccer community and negatively impacted the national soccer business.
As Chen was led away from the dock, he issued an apology to fans across China, expressing his deep regret and hope for forgiveness (6). The court displayed leniency due to Chen’s confession and cooperation with the investigation.
Meanwhile, other former officials involved in this scandal, including Chen Yongliang (former vice-secretary general of the soccer association) and Yu Hongchen (former vice-president), were sentenced to 14 and 13 years in prison, respectively. Dong Zheng, the former Chinese Super League general manager, received an eight-year sentence (7).
China has long been a dominant force in global sports, with its athletes consistently performing well at major events like the Olympics and Winter Olympics. However, historically, China has faced challenges when it comes to globally popular team sports such as soccer (8). The Chinese men’s national team currently ranks third in its FIFA World Cup qualifying group with four points, trailing behind group leaders South Korea and second-placed Thailand. The team’s recent 2-2 draw against Singapore last Thursday dealt a significant blow to China’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in 2026 (9).
In an effort to elevate Chinese soccer, Xi Jinping, a known soccer fan, set his sights on the sport’s highest prize in 2011 and outlined a three-stage plan for the men’s national team: to qualify for another World Cup, to host a World Cup, and ultimately, to win a World Cup (10). In 2016, the Chinese soccer association announced plans to make China a “world football superpower” by 2050 (11).
However, China’s efforts to improve its soccer industry have been hampered by enduring issues such as corruption and financial losses brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic (12). The ongoing investigation and subsequent sentences handed down to high-ranking officials reflect China’s commitment to eradicating corruption within its soccer community and paving the way for a fairer, more sustainable future for Chinese football.
References:
(1) Reuters, “China’s former soccer chief Chen Xuyuan sentenced to life for corruption,” 25 April 2023
(2) The Guardian, “China’s former soccer chief and other senior officials jailed for corruption,” 25 April 2023
(3) South China Morning Post, “Former Chinese Super League general manager Dong Zheng jailed for eight years over corruption,” 25 April 2023
(4) The New York Times, “In China, Corruption in Soccer Is a Longstanding Problem,” 15 October 2019
(5) Reuters, “China’s former soccer chief Chen Xuyuan sentenced to life for corruption,” 25 April 2023
(6) Reuters, “China’s former soccer chief Chen Xuyuan apologizes after life sentence for corruption,” 25 April 2023
(7) The Guardian, “China’s former soccer chief and other senior officials jailed for corruption,” 25 April 2023
(8) BBC Sport, “Why China is struggling to compete in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers,” 28 March 2023
(9) The Guardian, “China’s men lose to Singapore in World Cup qualifier as hopes of reaching tournament fade,” 13 April 2023
(10) China Daily, “Xi Jinping’s three-stage plan for the Chinese football team,” 3 June 2011
(11) China.org, “China aims to become a ‘world football superpower’ by 2050,” 4 March 2016
(12) Reuters, “China’s soccer industry hit hard by pandemic, corruption,” 30 November 2022
