Amid a crackdown on sports corruption in China, high-ranking officials have been sentenced to life in prison for their involvement in financial crimes and bribery. The Communist Party controlled sports programs in China have come under scrutiny, with Chen Xuyuan, the former president of the Chinese Football Association, receiving a life sentence for his role in match-fixing and financial crimes.
The Chinese Football Association Super League has faced financial instability due to real estate firms backing it. Payments to players and hopes for international recognition have been affected by concerns about the financial health of China’s economy. Despite earlier successes, the national men’s and women’s teams have struggled in international competitions due to corruption linked to payoffs to players and referees that influenced game outcomes.
Allegations of payments to secure spots for players at training camps for top teams have also been reported. These challenges are exacerbated by economic slowdowns and government involvement in sports, culture, and private business, which has hindered efforts to improve the success of China’s soccer programs.
