Former head of China’s Football Federation sentenced to life imprisonment
The former head of China’s Football Federation was sentenced to life imprisonment after the court found Chen Xuyuan guilty of receiving over 11 million dollars in bribes.
He admitted to receiving this money in January. Combating corruption is part of President Xi Jinping’s agenda, especially in the fields of sports, banking, and the military.
So far, in addition to the former head of China’s Football Federation, dozens of players have also been interrogated.
The prosecution stated 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 caused significant damage to Chinese football.
State media reported that three other senior football officials were also sentenced on Tuesday to 8 to 14 years in prison for financial corruption.
Before this court ruling, China released South Korean national team player Son Jun-ho, who played in the Chinese Super League, after 10 months of detention on charges of financial corruption and bribery. Seoul officials said the player has returned to his country.