Editorial: Fixing Chinese Soccer’s Chronic Corruption Problem

The pervasive corruption within Chinese soccer is well-known, yet the extent of this malfeasance continues to surpass all expectations. The recent popular anti-corruption documentary series, “Sustained Effort, Deep Advancement,” in its fourth episode, highlights the extensive corruption within Chinese soccer. This includes figures such as the former deputy director of the State General Administration of Sports; the former party secretary of the Chinese Soccer Association (CFA), Du Zhaocai; former CFA chairman, Chen Xuyuan; and a former head coach of the Chinese men’s national soccer team, Li Tie. In the latest round of anti-corruption case related to the sport, more than a dozen senior managers and coaches formerly employed within the CFA system have been investigated. Their confessions, although occasionally touching on monetary transactions, more often lament being “hunted,” as if they were the unfortunate victims. This is a clear case of evading the crucial issue, an attitude that is both disingenuous and repugnant.