Soccer corruption

The confirmed investigation into a former vice-chairman of the Chinese Football Association (CFA) and two officials has fueled widespread suspicion that the former CFA was deeply involved in match-fixing and soccer gambling. The probe has also convinced the public that Chinese soccer, particularly on the men's side, has no future unless a thorough housecleaning helps to create a clean environment for the country's professional soccer system.

The public and soccer fans in particular have started to understand why the Chinese national soccer team played so badly in international competitions. They hope that the crackdown will be carried out thoroughly just as the present CFA vows its support in a statement.

In 2002, when a match-fixing case was uncovered, the CFA chairman at the time promised that corruption in soccer would be rooted out without mercy. But one referee became the scapegoat of that campaign.