BREAKING: 13 Chinese football clubs penalized, 73 individuals banned for life

January 29, 2026, is regarded as one of the bleakest milestones in Chinese football, when the CFA formally revealed a series of harsh penalties never seen before involving match-fixing and unlawful dealings.

Accordingly, 13 professional clubs have had points deducted, while 73 individuals active in football have been permanently banned, effectively ending their careers. This is not just a routine disciplinary action but was described by Sohu (a Chinese media outlet) as “an earthquake that reshapes the entire domestic football landscape.”

Among the title contenders, several prominent teams faced heavy penalties. Shanghai Shenhua and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger were docked 10 points each, placing them at a significant disadvantage heading into the new season. Shandong Taishan, Beijing Guoan, Shanghai Port, and several others also faced punishments, severely weakening their competitiveness from the start.

The deduction of points from many “big names” not only impacts rankings but also creates a clear power vacuum in the Chinese Super League. In this context, Chengdu Rongcheng emerges as the biggest beneficiary. With no penalties and no negative points, the club now has a historic chance to compete for the championship.

While the title race experiences a power shift, the relegation battle enters a critical state as Qingdao Hainiu loses 7 points. Additionally, Henan FC (-6 points) and Wuhan Three Towns (-5 points) are also placed in highly precarious positions. Starting with such low points, these teams must treat almost every remaining match as a “final.”

Equally notable is the list of 73 individuals banned for life, including many influential figures in Chinese football such as stars Qin Sheng, Zhang Lu, Hao Wei, Wang Dong, and former leaders like Chen Xuyuan, Li Tie, Du Zhaocai. According to Sohu, an earlier CFA announcement had already imposed similar bans on 60 people. In total, 133 individuals have now been banned permanently.

Since September 2024, Chinese football has taken strong action by permanently banning 43 officials and players, including former national team coach Li Tie, who once played for Everton. In 2025, Li Tie was sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting involvement in match-fixing and bribery to secure a high-level coaching position.