On September 5, in the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers Round of 18, the Chinese national football team (referred to as “Team China”) faced Japan and suffered a devastating 0-7 loss, sparking nationwide criticism. Former Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference member Liu Mengxiong directly pointed out that the incident reflects systemic issues in mainland China.
Liu Mengxiong analyzed that the poor performance of Team China is attributed to mass corruption, bribery, and scandals within the Chinese Football Association. Even the head coach, Li Tie, has been implicated. He questioned how a corrupt leadership could lead to a team with good performance and ethics.
Furthermore, Liu highlighted that the Chinese Football Association is only a “bureau-level” unit, with over a thousand officials at various ranks within, questioning the effectiveness of such a bloated structure in managing an eleven-member football team. He emphasized the systemic flaws in China, where officials are appointed from the top down, leading to a lack of accountability and meritocracy.
Liu argued that the root cause of the issue lies in the lack of supervision and accountability in the Chinese system. He criticized the prevalent culture of deceit and sycophancy, where individuals prioritize pleasing their superiors over serving the people and delivering results. This has led to a scenario where only those skilled in playing politics are promoted, not genuinely talented individuals.
Drawing parallels to historical events such as the criticisms faced during the “Three Red Banners” in 1959 and the consequences of speaking the truth during the “Anti-Rightist Movement” in 1957, Liu underscored how honesty and transparency have not been valued in China’s political and sporting spheres. This environment fosters corruption and hinders the development of true talent in sports.
The scandal involving former national team head coach Li Tie exposed widespread corruption in Chinese football, where bribes and favors were commonplace for selections and positions. This revelation further fueled public outrage and criticism towards the system’s failures and unchecked power dynamics.
As the country grapples with economic challenges, including business closures, dwindling investments, and rising debt, the disillusioned populace has limited avenues to express dissent due to the strict control of the Communist Party. The humiliating defeat of Team China provided a vent for pent-up frustrations and symbolized a larger discontent with the prevailing state of affairs.
The ongoing trial of Li Tie, with accusations of bribery and corruption totaling over 100 million RMB, symbolizes a larger trend of corruption within China’s sports governance. This case serves as a stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing various sectors in the country, from politics and economy to sports and beyond.
The aftermath of the football scandal has reignited calls for reform and accountability within China’s sporting institutions. However, whether these demands will result in meaningful change remains uncertain, as the deep-rooted issues of corruption and political influence continue to undermine the integrity and success of Chinese sports on the international stage.