China arrests head of football federation on corruption charges

 The head of China’s national football federation has been arrested on corruption charges in the latest blow to the country’s effort to grow its standing at home and internationally.

A one-sentence statement from the ruling Communist Party’s anti-graft watchdog body said Chen Shuyuan had been placed under investigation by national and Hubei provincial sports bodies. No details were given about the accusations against him.

Chen is head of the Chinese Football Association and vice chair of its party committee, underscoring the government’s heavy hand in attempting to direct success in the game.

ALSO READ: See who Brazil appointed as interim coach to replace Tite

Despite its success in the Olympics, China has only qualified for one World Cup almost 20 years ago.

ALSO READ: ‘I am grateful to Pep’, Cancelo dismisses rumours of fall out with Guardiola

China’s president and Communist Party leader Xi Jinping declared a goal to make the country a football superpower, but funding and enthusiasm have appeared to dwindle.

The national team has seen a revolving door of foreign and domestic managers and one if its most decorated past leaders, former Everton and Sheffield United midfielder Li Tie, has been jailed amid a graft investigation.

China’s top division clubs paid eye-watering salaries to attract foreign talent, but the league has virtually collapsed under the now-abandoned “zero-COVID” policy and lingering economic malaise.

Temisan Amoye

Recent Posts

AFCON 2027: Ministerial meeting kicks off in Uganda

He emphasised the importance of coordination in planning, timely execution, disciplined delivery....

1 hour ago

Benfica’s Prestianni gets six-match ban for homophobic conduct

IFAB has already agreed to look at measures to stop players from hiding what they…

1 hour ago

BIPOGA 2026: Mixed Martial Arts earns full recognition at National Sports Festival

He said MMA’s emergence from relative obscurity reflects deliberate institutional backing by the Police....

1 hour ago

Olopade, Gusau, Ikpeba lead dignitaries for NNL Super Four draw

They’ll capture a league that believes it belongs on the big stage and on April…

7 hours ago

Ex-Ivory Coast footballer sentenced to three years for rape

The footballer was found guilty of having non-consensual sexual relations in March 2021....

19 hours ago

UEFA fines Bayern Munich over fans invasion, pitch-side incidents

A group of fans from the Bayern ultras section climbed over barriers while celebrating, trampling....

19 hours ago

This website uses cookies.