Chinese Football Official Sentenced to 11 Years for Bribery
In a significant development in China’s ongoing crackdown on corruption in sports, a former top official of the Chinese Football Association (CFA) has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. Li Yuyi, who served as vice president of the CFA from 2015 to 2019, was found guilty of taking bribes worth over $1.7 million between 2004 and 2021.
Li’s conviction is the latest in a series of high-profile cases targeting corruption in Chinese football. In March, former CFA head Chen Xuyuan was sentenced to life in prison for accepting bribes exceeding $11 million. Former national team coach Li Tie also pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and match-fixing.
The crackdown on corruption in Chinese sports is part of President Xi Jinping’s broader anti-graft campaign. Xi, a self-proclaimed football enthusiast, has expressed his ambition for China to host and win the World Cup. However, repeated corruption scandals and disappointing results on the pitch have hindered these aspirations.
Li’s sentencing sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated in Chinese sports. The investigation into Gou Zhongwen, former director of the General Administration of Sport of China, further demonstrates the government’s determination to root out corruption at all levels.
The crackdown has also led to the investigation of around 10 high-level CFA officials in recent months. These actions aim to restore integrity to Chinese football and create a level playing field for all participants.
