China on Thursday permanently banned 73 players from football and deducted points from nine top-flight clubs over match-fixing allegations in its latest anti-corruption campaign.
Former national team manager, Everton player Lee T Among those banned was Chen Xueyuan, former president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA).
“The CFA has imposed lifetime bans on 73 industry personnel, including Mr. Chen Xueyuan and Mr. Li Tie, whose criminal offenses were confirmed by a valid judicial decision, from participating in any football-related activities,” a CFA official said.
In 2024, Lee and Chen, who coached the national team from 2019 to 2021, were found guilty of accepting millions of dollars in bribes. Mr. Li was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and Mr. Chen was sentenced to life in prison.
Nine clubs in the Chinese Super League also received point deductions and fines.
Shanghai Shenhua and Tianjin Kinmen Tigers, who finished second last season, were hit the hardest. Both clubs were each given a 10-point deduction and a fine of 1 million yuan (approximately $143,788). Defending champions Shanghai Port will start the 2026 season with five points deducted.
“The demerit points and financial penalties imposed on clubs will be determined based on the amount, nature, severity and social impact of the inappropriate transactions in which each club is involved,” the CFA said, adding that it maintains a “zero tolerance” policy against corruption.
In September 2024, 43 officials and players were permanently banned.
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