China’s life bans for 73 football figures and a 72-point collective deduction across 13 clubs upend the 2026 CSL picture. Betting outcome: futures and title markets will shift away from penalised teams — back unaffected clubs or opponents of docked sides, and be cautious with long-term bets on clubs starting with negative points.
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China’s authorities have imposed lifetime bans on 73 individuals working in football and deducted a cumulative 72 league points from 13 professional clubs, part of a wide-ranging campaign targeting match-fixing, gambling and corruption. The sanctions include fines totalling 7.2 million yuan and affect nine Chinese Super League (CSL) clubs, including reigning champions Shanghai Port.
Key punishments and how they were decided
The Ministry of Public Security, the General Administration of Sport and the Chinese Football Association announced the measures as a “special campaign” to crack down on misconduct in the sport. The CFA said decisions were based on the amount, circumstances, nature and social impact of improper transactions and pledged a zero-tolerance approach going forward.
Clubs hit — points deducted and fines
Chinese Super League
Shanghai Shenhua: –10 points, 1,000,000 yuan fine
Tianjin Jinmen Tiger: –10 points, 1,000,000 yuan fine
Qingdao Hainiu: –7 points, 800,000 yuan fine
Shandong Taishan: –6 points, 800,000 yuan fine
Henan: –6 points, 600,000 yuan fine
Shanghai Port (title holders): –5 points, 400,000 yuan fine
Zhejiang: –5 points, 600,000 yuan fine
Beijing Guoan: –5 points, 400,000 yuan fine
Wuhan Three Towns: –5 points, 800,000 yuan fine
China League One
Meizhou Hakka: –4 points, 200,000 yuan fine
Suzhou Dongwu: –3 points, 200,000 yuan fine
Ningbo: –3 points, 200,000 yuan fine
High-profile individual bans
Among those banned for life were former national team coach Li Tie and ex-Chinese FA president Chen Xuyuan. Li Tie was previously sentenced to 20 years in prison for bribery; he lost an appeal in April 2025. Three additional individuals received five-year bans for illegal acts that did not lead to prosecution.
Competitive and betting implications for 2026
Starting the season on negative points immediately hampers title hopes and continental qualification potential for the penalised clubs. Expect league futures to shorten for unaffected sides and markets to favour opponents of docked teams in early fixtures. Punters should reassess season-long outrights, consider short-term match bets against penalised teams, and factor in potential morale and squad disruptions when pricing markets.
What comes next
The CFA has signalled continued investigations and disciplinary action where warranted. Clubs will face sporting and financial recovery challenges, and the integrity-focused crackdown is likely to influence governance and transfer decisions across Chinese football in the coming seasons.
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In total, a cumulative total of 72 league points have been docked from 13 clubs across the two divisions of Chinese football.
Theathleticuk
