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China bans ex-player, 42 Others For Life as Federation Tackles Football Corruption
After an investigation into match-fixing and corruption in the country’s football industry for two years, the China Football Association has issued lifetime bans to 43 individuals, some of whom are former Chinese internationals.
Among those banned are football officials and players including former Chinese internationals Jin Jingdao, Guo Tianyu, and Gu Chao, as well as South Korean player Son Jun-ho and Cameroon’s Donovan Ewolo. According to state news agency Xinhua, while 38 professional players and five club officials received lifetime bans, another 15 players and two club officials were banned for five years.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, officials from China’s General Administration of Sport and the Ministry of Public Security stated that a two-year investigation had uncovered a series of online gambling, match-fixing, and bribery cases involving 120 matches, 128 criminal suspects, and 41 football clubs.
“The Ministry of Public Security reported the details of the first batch of 61 people involved in the cases to the General Administration of Sport of China and the CFA,” said Zhang Xiaopeng, a senior official from China’s Ministry of Public Security.
He added that 44 individuals face criminal penalties for bribery, gambling, and the illegal opening of casinos, while 17 others were found to have engaged in bribery and match-fixing and will be punished according to regulations.
In recent years, Chinese football has struggled with corruption, financial instability, and poor performance, forcing top authorities to intensify efforts to clean up the sport.
In 2023, Du Zhaocai, deputy head of China’s top sports body, was removed from his post, making him the highest-ranking official to be ousted as part of broader efforts to tackle corruption in Chinese football. His dismissal came after at least nine senior soccer officials were placed under investigation or arrested, including Li Tie, the former men’s national team coach, and Chen Xuyuan, former president of the Chinese Football Association.
On Tuesday, officials also announced that so far, 44 individuals connected to the football industry have been sentenced by the courts, with 34 of them receiving prison terms or harsher penalties.
CFA President Song Kai also announced a five-year ban for 17 individuals from participating in any football-related activities in China as a disciplinary measure.
Additionally, 43 individuals, including 32-year-old South Korean player Son Jun-ho, have been banned for life from involvement in football activities in the country. Son was arrested in May last year while attempting to leave the country and was held in custody before being released this past March.
Officials also stressed that any football professionals or clubs involved in illegal activities like match-fixing, gambling, or corruption would face severe consequences. They reiterated that such misconduct will not be tolerated, and all relevant information will be made public to ensure oversight.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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