China’s ongoing anti-corruption drive in football has resulted in significant jail terms for two former high-ranking officials. Liu Jun, the ex-chairman of the Chinese Super League company, was sentenced to 11 years in prison and fined 1.1 million yuan ($153,000) on bribery charges. Wang Xiaoping, former head of the Chinese Football Association’s disciplinary committee, received a 10-and-a-half-year jail term and a fine of 700,000 yuan. Their sentences were handed down by courts in central Hubei province, marking another milestone in President Xi Jinping’s relentless campaign against corruption in sports.
The crackdown has ensnared several prominent figures in Chinese football, including former Premier League star and men’s national coach Li Tie, who was jailed for 20 years on bribery charges in December 2024. Other notable cases include former Chinese FA president Chen Xuyuan, who was sentenced to life imprisonment, and Chen Yongliang, who received a 14-year jail term. These sentences demonstrate China’s commitment to rooting out corruption in football and promoting integrity in the sport.
The cases against Liu Jun and Wang Xiaoping involved substantial bribery, with Liu accused of taking bribes worth over $1.69 million during his tenure. Both men have been ordered to forfeit their illegal gains, which will be recovered and turned over to the state treasury. This decisive action underscores China’s determination to hold accountable those who engage in corrupt practices, ensuring a fairer and more transparent football landscape.
