China’s soccer governing body docked points from 13 professional clubs and imposed lifetime bans on dozens of former officials and players Thursday, escalating a years-long campaign to stamp out systemic corruption in the sport.
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) handed down the sweeping penalties just as teams were preparing for the 2026 season. Authorities said the disciplinary actions target what they describe as the “fake, gambling, and black” trilogy — match-fixing, illegal betting and bribery — that has tainted both the Chinese Super League and lower-tier divisions.
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