PtG Article 26.01.2010

Three Chinese football officials fired after match-fixing allegations

Nan Yong, the executive vice president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA) was discharged last week after a nationwide crackdown on gambling and match fixing carried out by the Chinese public security department last year.

Wei Di, former chief of aquatic sports, will take over the position, said Cui Dalin, vice president of the State General Administration of Sport (SGAS) at a press conference on Friday.

Yang Yimin, another vice president of the CFA, and Zhang Jianqiang, the women's soccer chief who was also in charge of referee arrangements, were also discharged.

"We are determined to eradicate corruption in sport and are willing to cooperate with the police," Cui said. "We must punish those found guilty. They have hurt the sentiments of soccer fans and Chinese people at large."

So far, more than 100 current and former players, coaches, referees, club officials and industry insiders have been interrogated.

SOURCE: CHINA DAILY