The former president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), Chen Xuyuan, has reportedly been sentenced to life in prison for bribery.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Chen Xuyuan pleaded guilty to accepting bribes worth 81 million yuan ($11m/£9m), the BBC reports. His conviction comes amid a crackdown on corruption from the nation’s president Xi Jinping, with more than 12 coaches under investigation.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Chen’s illegal activity is said to have taken place between 2010 and 2023 and prosecutors say he accepted money and valuables in exchange for help to obtain contracts and arrange sporting events. He is said to have brought “tremendous damage” to Chinese football.
DID YOU KNOW?
China has cracked down on corruption in sport, the military and the banking industry. According to media in the Asian country, three more football officials were sentenced to between eight and 14 years in prison for corruption.
WHAT NEXT FOR CHINA?
President Xi hopes to revolutionise football in China and has spoken of his desire to see the nation qualify for the World Cup, host the tournament and eventually win the trophy for the first time in its history.