Corruption Scandal Rocks Chinese Football as Former Official Admits Wrongdoing

Chen Xuyuan, former head of China’s top football body has pleaded guilty to bribery charges amid an anti-corruption crackdown in the sport. Accused of accepting over $11 million in bribes, Chen admitted to wrongdoing and expressed remorse during his trial. The judgement has been postponed to a later date. Chen’s indictment in September and a televised confession earlier this month implicated him in corrupt practices including accepting bribes from individuals seeking favor.

Li Tie former coach of the Chinese national football team also confessed to paying bribes to secure his position. The corruption scandal has tarnished China’s football ambitions with President Xi Jinping’s goal of winning the World Cup seeming increasingly distant. Several other sports officials including Chen Yongliang, have also faced bribery charges.