A little over a year ago, former Chinese Football Association President Chen Xuyuan fell from grace, charged with accepting bribes of astronomical proportions. On the 26th, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Along with this, his political rights were stripped for life, and his assets were confiscated. It’s safe to say his life as he knew it was completely ruined.
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According to a report from the state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 26th, the Intermediate People’s Court in Huangshi City, Hubei Province, held the first trial for Chen’s bribery case and handed down a severe sentence of life imprisonment. This verdict effectively confirms his sentence, as Chinese trials are in two stages.
According to the court’s verdict, from 2010 to 2023, while serving as the Chairman of Shanghai International Port and the President of the Football Association, he abused his position and power to provide convenience to bribe givers in project bidding and investment operations, receiving approximately 81.03 million yuan ($12.5 million) in bribes.
The court stated, “Chen Xuyuan’s actions constitute bribery. The amount is large.” It further explained, “During his tenure as the President of the Football Association, he pursued unfair benefits in various football teams and regional football associations, league promotions, referee decisions, and other areas, seriously damaging the fair competition order and industrial ecosystem in the football field, causing serious damage to the national team.”
The court added that he could have received a heavier punishment, but it was considered in the sentencing that he did not accept 4 million yuan of the bribe. Also, his confession of his crimes and his exposure of others’ criminal activities to judicial authorities were considered in this verdict.
At the court hearing, Chen Xuyuan bowed his head at a 90-degree angle and apologized to Chinese football fans. Although his statement, “I have no face to show to many football fans. But I sincerely apologize to all national football fans,” seemed sincere, the Chinese fans watching him had a cold and icy glare. This is not surprising given the recent disastrous performances in various competitions. It can be said that the decline of Chinese football is deeply related to the chronic corruption within the association.
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