Match-fixing in China: Thirteen teams punished

Nine teams will start next season of the Chinese Super League with minus points after the clubs were punished following an investigation into “match-fixing, gambling and corruption in the football industry”.

Shanghai Shenhua, last season’s runner-up, was subjected to the harshest penalties along with the Tianjin Tigers, as each received a 10-point deduction.

Four sanctioned teams have already been relegated to the China League One.

The 13 teams were also fined between £21,000 and £104,000 (200,000-1 million yuan).

The sanctions were issued by the authorities as a result of an investigation into football-related gambling and match-fixing.

statement, external He said the sanctions aim to “support discipline in the industry, purify the football environment and maintain fair competition.”

“The point deductions and financial penalties imposed on clubs depend on the size, nature, seriousness and impact of the improper transactions in which each club was involved,” the Chinese Football Association said, adding that it would continue a “zero tolerance” policy towards corruption.

In September 2024, 43 officials and players were banned for life.

Former Everton midfielder Lee Tye, along with 73 other people, have also been banned from football for life.

The 48-year-old was jailed last year after admitting match-fixing, accepting bribes and offering bribes to land a top coaching job.