China sanctions 13 football clubs after match-fixing and gambling probe
Authorities have imposed points deductions, fines and lifetime bans.
China.- Chinese authorities have sanctioned 13 professional football clubs following an investigation into match-fixing, gambling and corruption. Nine teams will start the upcoming Chinese Super League season with points deductions, while four clubs have already been relegated to China League One.
Shanghai Shenhua and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger received the harshest penalties, each being docked 10 points. Meanwhile, 73 football officials and industry professionals convicted of related offences have been handed lifetime bans from all football-related activities.
Among them is former national team coach Li Tie, who was previously jailed after admitting to match-fixing and bribery. Three additional individuals received five-year bans despite not facing criminal prosecution.
The measures were announced after a joint enforcement operation involving the Ministry of Public Security, the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Football Association (CFA). The CFA said the sanctions reflect a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and betting-related misconduct, aimed at restoring discipline and safeguarding fair competition in Chinese football.
