Chinese football chiefs swept up in corruption investigation for suspected ‘severe violation of the law’
- Chinese Football Association says it fully supports investigation of Chen Yongliang and Liu Yi, who has been removed from post as secretary general
- Investigation has already led to arrest of former national team coach Li Tie, as media suggest ex-Everton star has been cooperating with the inquiry
Days after the match-fixing scandal surrounding Chinese snooker led to the charging of 10 players, football bosses announced two senior officials on the mainland had been caught up in a corruption investigation.
Chen Yongliang, executive deputy secretary general of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), and Liu Yi, the CFA’s secretary general, who has been removed from his post as a result, are both under investigation for a suspected “severe violation of the law”.
The investigation has already led to the arrest of former China national team coach Li Tie late last year, and Chinese media have suggested the ex-Everton player has been cooperating with the inquiry.
Without detailing the nature of the allegations against Chen and Liu, the CFA said it fully supported the investigation, which “advances the fight against corruption in football”.
“It also represents the zero tolerance to corruption in football, as the anti-corruption campaign is leaving no stone unturned,” it added.
According to the CFA, it’s 11th executive committee took the decision to remove Liu from his post, adding the move would be “submitted to the General Assembly for approval”.