In an unprecedented move, China has banned 43 individuals for life due to allegations of match-fixing, bribery, and other football-related corruption. This sweeping decision, announced on September 10, 2024, comes after a two-year investigation that implicated 120 matches, 128 criminal suspects, and 41 clubs in domestic leagues.
Among those banned are 38 players and five club officials, with notable figures such as former Chinese internationals Jin Jingdao, Guo Tianyu, and Gu Chao, as well as South Korean player Son Jun-ho, who played for Shandong Taishan FC. The investigation uncovered serious violations of sports ethics and sportsmanship, with Son singled out for causing a significant negative impact on society.
The bans come as part of China’s ongoing crackdown on corruption in football, which has recently intensified. President Xi Jinping had previously pledged to make China a football superpower, but the national team continues to struggle. The recent findings were revealed ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia, following China’s 7-0 defeat to Japan in the third round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
In addition to the lifetime bans, 17 others received five-year suspensions, including foreign players drawn to China with the promise of high salaries. This marks a significant step in China’s efforts to root out corruption from its football leagues, though the country’s football ambitions remain far from realized.
Despite the expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup, China, ranked 87th in FIFA’s rankings, faces an uphill battle to qualify. The crackdown on corruption comes at a critical time as the nation strives to improve its football standing on the global stage.
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