Former Chinese Football Association President Chen Xuyuan Receives Life Sentence for $11.2 Million Bribery Scandal

Chen Xuyuan former president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA) has been sentenced to life in prison for accepting bribes totaling $11.2 million. This follows an anti-corruption campaign led by President Xi Jinping which has targeted various sectors including sports. Chen’s trial revealed his illicit activities from 2010 to 2023 during which he accepted bribes in exchange for facilitating project contracts and sporting events.

Three other senior football officials were also sentenced for corruption. The scandal, including confessions from former players and coaches, has tarnished China’s football ambitions, despite President Xi’s previous aspirations to elevate the country’s status in football. Despite setbacks, domestic football remains popular in China.