Former president of the Chinese Football Federation sentenced to life in prison
Former president of the Chinese Football Federation, Chen Jianguo, was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of accepting over $11 million in bribes.
He admitted to receiving this money in January as part of President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign, particularly in the areas of sports, banking, and the military.
So far, in addition to the former president of the Chinese Football Federation, dozens of players have also been interrogated.
Prosecutors said that Mr. Chen received money and valuable items in exchange for awarding contracts, projects, and organizing sports events.
The court stated in its verdict that he had caused significant damage to Chinese football.
State media reported that three other senior football officials have also been sentenced to 8 to 14 years in prison for financial corruption.
Before this court ruling, China had released South Korean national team player Son Jun-ho, who had been detained for 10 months on charges of financial corruption and bribery while playing in the Chinese Super League. Seoul authorities said the player had returned to his country.
