ZURICH  FIFA has confirmed the extension of disciplinary sanctions to 58 individuals relating to domestic match-fixing and bribery investigations in China PR that date back to 2010.

The sanctions by the Chinese Football Association’s disciplinary committee involve players and officials, with 25 receiving a five-year ban from all football activities while the remaining 33 individuals were banned from all football activities for life.

The Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has extended the sanctions to have worldwide effect in accordance with article 78 paragraph 1(c) and article 136ff of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

This follows investigations and trials conducted by Chinese judicial authorities between 2010 and 2012 in which the Chinese Football Association (CFA) cooperated fully. The cases involved relate to incidents of match-fixing that took place in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The sentences imposed by the Chinese judicial authorities marked the end of the statutory appeal period for the original sentences that they handed down in June 2012.

The sanctions were passed on 18 February 2013.  

In taking those sanctions and notifying FIFA of them, the CFA has emphasised its on-going commitment to stamping out all forms of match-fixing and corruption in the game. The CFA set up a special task force consisting of members of the CFA disciplinary committee in March 2012 to make recommendations based on the investigations.

FIFA continues to work closely with its member associations in the fight against match-fixing. Initiatives include FIFA/INTERPOL workshops held regionally, the signing of an Integrity Declaration by officials, a new Integrity Hotline and e-mail address as well as an e-learning ethics tool.

Further information from:

FIFA Media Department – tel.: +41-43/222 7272 or e-mail: media@fifa.org

www.FIFA.com    Twitter: @fifamedia    YouTube/FIFAtv

FIFA COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION / Zurich, 25.02.13

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