A press conference on the special rectification of fake gambling and match-fixing in professional football leagues was held at 10 a.m. today in Dalian, Liaoning, by the General Administration of Sport and the Ministry of Public Security, according to CCTV News.
Officials from the Ministry of Public Security's Public Security Administration reported that since 2022, the ministry has prioritized investigations into illegal gambling and match-fixing in football, conducted by public security organs in Liaoning and other areas.
These efforts included comprehensive strategies to combat online gambling, match manipulation, and bribery, resulting in the arrest of 128 suspects, dismantling of 12 online gambling syndicates, verification of 120 matches involved in suspected gambling and match-fixing, and criminal coercive measures against 83 individuals including players, referees, coaches, and club management staff.
So far, 44 football professionals involved have received legal verdicts from courts, with 34 sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment or more severe penalties.
The head of the Chinese Football Association (CFA) detailed disciplinary actions against 61 football professionals. Based on the "Disciplinary Code of the Chinese Football Association," 43 individuals, including Jin Jingdao, have been banned for life from engaging in any football-related activities in China. 17 individuals, including Baqyjan Hurman, received a five-year ban. Shen Liuxi, a former player from Hangzhou Greentown, previously banned for life in 2013, faced criminal penalties this time for running a gambling house. The CFA has reiterated the ban and called for strict enforcement across the industry.
The CFA official emphasized that whether it involves football professionals or clubs, any involvement in illegal activities such as football betting, match-fixing, or match rigging will be seriously dealt with, without leniency, and promptly disclosed to the public for social supervision.
Related News:
Photos | China and Saudi Arabia conduct training ahead of FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier
Two former CFA officials sentenced, fined for various crimes
Former vice head of Chinese Football Association sentenced to 11 years in jail for bribery
Comment