128 Arrested in China for Soccer Match-Fixing and Gambling Scandal
A report released by China’s public security department this week revealed that its efforts to combat corruption in Chinese soccer has resulted in the arrest of 128 individuals since 2022 for offenses related to gambling, match-fixing, and bribery linked to 120 domestic matches.
China’s crackdown on soccer corruption leads to 128 arrests.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The campaign, which began in November 2022, has targeted and dismantled 12 online gambling groups that were manipulating game outcomes across all levels of China’s men’s leagues, the Chinese FA Cup, and the premier women’s league.
The crackdown has also ensnared 44 former players and club officials, with charges ranging from bribery and gambling to operating illegal casinos. The information was publicized during a joint press briefing held by the Ministry of Public Security, the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), and the Chinese Football Association (CFA).
43 Ex-Players and Club Officials Found Guilty
CFA president Song Kai announced that 43 ex-players and club officials have been found guilty of match-fixing and gambling and have been banned for life from participating in any football-related activities within China.
Among those banned are notable names such as midfielder Jin Jingdao and striker Guo Tianyu, both of whom played for Shandong Taishan, the former Chinese Super League champions. They were also part of China’s national team during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers under former coach Li Tie, who has since been disgraced.
Zhang Xiaopeng, deputy director of the Ministry’s public security management bureau, stressed that law enforcement, the central sports authorities, and the CFA would continue working together to maintain its crackdown on gambling, match-fixing, and bribery.
Related: Multiple Arrests Made in China for Illegal Euro 2024 Betting
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Crimes Compared to ‘Malignant Tumor’
Zhang Xin, the head of the competitive sports department at GASC, condemned the fraudulent activities, stating that they have seriously harmed the principles of fair competition, distorted the business practices within soccer, and betrayed the trust of the public. He likened the crimes to a “malignant tumor” that is stunting the growth of the sport in China.
The press briefing took place in Dalian, Liaoning province, ahead of the second third-round qualifying match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup between China and Saudi Arabia.
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