Ex-Chinese Football Officials Sentenced for Corruption

Former Chinese Football Association officials Huang Song and Gu Jianming have been sentenced for taking bribes. Huang received seven years in prison and a fine, while Gu got six years and a fine. The national football team continues to be marred by corruption, impacting its performance.

In a landmark case, former Chinese Football Association official Huang Song has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment for accepting bribes. The ruling, announced by state broadcaster CCTV, further includes a fine of 600,000 yuan ($84,000).

Huang's sentencing was part of a broader crackdown on corruption within Chinese football. In another court ruling reported by CCTV, ex-Football Association Executive Committee member Gu Jianming was also convicted of bribery. Gu, previously chairman and secretary-general of the Chengdu Football Association, received a six-year prison sentence and a 400,000 yuan fine.

The sport's struggle with corruption has long been blamed for the national team's lackluster performance. The recent sentences follow the conviction of the former vice president of the national football association, who was sentenced to 11 years for similar offenses.

(With inputs from agencies.)