Former China coach, FA president under 73 women banned from football for life for match fixing

China on Thursday banned 73 people for life from football and deducted points from nine top clubs in its latest anti-corruption campaign.

Former national coach and Everton player Li Tie and Chen Xuyuan, former chairman of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), were among those banned.

“For 73 industry personnel, including Chen Xuyuan and Li Tie, whose criminal offenses have been upheld by effective court rulings, the CFA has imposed a lifetime ban from participating in football-related activities,” a CFA official said.

In 2024, Li – who managed the national team from 2019 to 2021 – and Chen were convicted of taking millions of dollars in bribes. Li was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Chen received life in prison.

Nine Chinese Super League clubs were also punished with point deductions and fines.

Shanghai Shenhua, which finished second last season, and Tianjin Jinmen Tigers were the worst hit. The two clubs were each given 10 points and a fine of 1 million yuan ($143,788). Defending champion Shanghai Port starts the 2026 season with a five-point deduction.

“The points deductions and financial penalties imposed on clubs are based on the amount, nature, severity and social impact of the improper transactions in which each club was involved,” the CFA said, adding that it will maintain its “zero tolerance” policy on corruption.

In September 2024, 43 officials and players were given life bans.

Published on January 29, 2026