Gou Zhongwen Under Investigation: Where Are Anti-Corruption Efforts in Sports Headed? (AI Translation)

【周刊提前读】调查：苟仲文被查 体育反腐指向何方？

Gou Zhongwen, a prominent official in the Chinese sports administration, is under investigation for severe violations of laws and regulations by the CCDI and NSC [para. 1]. Gou, previously the Party Secretary and Director of the General Administration of Sport of China, is the latest figure to come under scrutiny amidst a broader anti-corruption drive targeting the sports sector [para. 1].

The General Administration of Sport of China held a meeting to express its firm support for the investigation into Gou Zhongwen and reaffirmed its commitment to strict governance in sports [para. 2]. The ongoing crackdown initially started in the football sector in November 2022, exposing a deep-seated corruption scandal following China’s failure to qualify for the Qatar World Cup [para. 3]. Several high-ranking football officials were subsequently ousted, including Chen Xuyuan, Li Tie, and Yu Hongchen [para. 3].

Judicial progress is evident with significant charges laid. Li Tie faces five counts of bribery involving over 110 million yuan, Chen Xuyuan was sentenced to life imprisonment for accepting over 81 million yuan in bribes, while Du Zhaocai undergoes prosecution for substantial bribery amounts [para. 4]. This drive extends beyond football, targeting comprehensive governance reforms within the sports sector [para. 5].

The anti-corruption investigations have spotlighted several other officials, including mid-level officials involved in Olympic preparations and winter sports [para. 6]. Notable figures, like Hu Guangyu and Liu Aijie, who have held various influential roles in the General Administration of Sport, have come under investigation [para. 7][para. 8]. These officials were involved in key projects, including forming and leading the Olympic Preparation Office, an entity coordinating China’s athletic efforts for the Tokyo and Beijing Olympics [para. 9][para. 10][para. 11].

The Olympic Preparation Office, seen as a mechanism for fostering new policies, was central to many of these developments [para. 12][para. 13]. However, its unique structure and lack of oversight allowed for opportunities of misconduct. Liu Aijie’s dual roles, holding significant power within the Olympic Preparation Office and the China Rowing Association, led to malpractices [para. 14]. Following corruption charges, Liu was sentenced to 11 years in prison with allegations involving over 23 million yuan in bribes, primarily related to cross-disciplinary talent selections for the Winter Olympics [para. 15][para. 16].

A systemic issue in Chinese sports governance is the blend of administrative oversight and the independent operation of sports associations. Such duality has led to conflicts and governance challenges, especially evident in newly created systems and in projects like Olympic preparations [para. 17]. This complexity extends to the Winter Olympics preparations, significantly driven by cross-disciplinary talent selections and heavy financial investments [para. 18][para. 19].

Investigations also focus on figures like Ni Huizhong, head of the Winter Sports Management Center, highlighting extensive project oversight and corruption linked to Olympic preparations [para. 20][para. 21][para. 22]. Ni was charged with serious violations, further spotlighting the depth of corruption issues [para. 23].

Corruption spans across other realms, such as the Chinese Ice Hockey Association and Beijing Sport University’s football system, led by officials like Cao Weidong [para. 24][para. 25]. These initiatives, aimed at fostering sports development, often became breeding grounds for mismanagement and corruption [para. 26].

Major restructuring occurred in bodies like the Chinese Football Association (CFA), which underwent significant leadership changes and faced widespread corruption allegations [para. 27][para. 28]. These issues culminate in the comprehensive anti-corruption efforts targeting senior officials and systemic reforms within the Chinese sports administration [para. 29].

Highlighting the blend of administrative roles, substantial financial engagements, weak oversight, and cross-disciplinary initiatives, the sports sector remains a focal point for anti-corruption initiatives in China. Gou Zhongwen’s downfall represents just one episode in the ongoing narrative of rooting out deep-seated corruption within this sphere [para. 30].