Nine teams will start the upcoming Chinese Super League season on minus points after clubs were sanctioned following an investigation into "match-fixing, gambling, and corruption in the football industry". Shanghai Shenhua, last season's runners-up, suffered the toughest sanction alongside Tianjin Tigers, with the pair receiving a 10-point deduction each. Four punished sides have already been relegated to China League One. A statement, external said the penalties were intended "To uphold industry discipline, purify the football environment, and maintain fair competition." The 48-year-old was jailed last year after admitting to fixing matches, accepting bribes, and offering bribes to get a top coaching job.

Source: BBC January 29, 2026 18:23 UTC