Chinese football has once again been hit by controversy after authorities in the Middle Kingdom unveiled significant bans and points deductions this week.
73 people have received bans from football activities in China, while an astonishing 13 clubs across the country’s top two professional tiers have been handed points deductions before the start of the 2026 season.
The deductions have impacted nine of the 16 clubs set to contest the 2026 Chinese Super League season, with last year’s runners-up Shanghai Shenhua handed 10 points alongside Tianjin Jinmen Tiger.
2025 champions, Shanghai Port, join the likes of Beijing Guoan and Zhejiang with five points deducted.
Changchun Yatai and Meizhou Hakka, both relegated last season, are among four clubs in China League One to have received points deductions, with four and three points respectively.
All clubs handed a points deduction were also fined, ranging from 200,000 to 1 million yuan (around £21,000 to £105,000).
The deductions, fines, and life-long bans have been handed out for historic infractions, with some as far back as 2012, of “match fixing, gambling, and corruption”.
The historical nature of the infractions, as well as the broad spectrum of offences, has raised many eyebrows – particularly due to how impactful the punishments could be on the Chinese Super League, with over half the league beginning with negative points.
Among those who have received lifetime bans from all football activities includes former China National Team head coach Li Tie, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for corruption in December 2024.
Along with him is Chen Xuyuan, the former head of the Chinese FA, who is also serving a lifetime prison sentence for accepting bribes.
Another high profile name receiving a lifetime ban is former Chinese international Wang Dong. The 44-year-old earned 30 caps in a career that saw him win the 2007 Chinese Super League with Changchun Yatai, playing for the likes of Chongqing Lifan, Tianjin TEDA and Qingdao Huanghai before moving into management.
Wang Dong had been hired as head coach of China League Two club Changchun Xidu just two weeks ago, with the club having to terminate the agreement due to this latest development.
The news has sent shockwaves through Chinese football and has garnered the attention of international media outlets, and the impact could be felt throughout the year and potentially beyond.
Full List of Team Deductions
Chinese Super League
Shanghai Shenhua -10
Tianjin Jinmen Tiger -10
Qingdao Hainiu -7
Shandong Taishan -6
Henan -6
Zhejiang -5
Wuhan Three Towns -5
Shanghai Port -5
Beijing Guoan -5
China League One
Changchun Yatai -4
Meizhou Hakka -3
Suzhou Dongwu -3
Ningbo Professional -3