Chinese soccer followers react throughout a soccer match in opposition to Saudi Arabia in Jiddah Despite its success within the Olympics, China has solely certified for one World Cup virtually 20 years in the past.  File picture
| Photo Credit: AP

The head of China’s nationwide soccer federation has been arrested on corruption costs within the newest blow to the nation’s effort to develop its standing at residence and internationally.

A one-sentence assertion from the ruling Communist Party’s anti-graft watchdog physique stated Chen Shuyuan had been positioned underneath investigation by nationwide and Hubei provincial sports activities our bodies. No particulars got concerning the accusations in opposition to him.

Chen is head of the Chinese Football Association and vice chair of its get together committee, underscoring the federal government’s heavy hand in trying to direct success within the recreation.

Despite its success within the Olympics, China has solely certified for one World Cup virtually 20 years in the past.

China’s president and Communist Party chief Xi Jinping declared a objective to make the nation a soccer superpower, however funding and enthusiasm have appeared to dwindle.

The nationwide staff has seen a revolving door of overseas and home managers and one if its most adorned previous leaders, former Everton and Sheffield United midfielder Li Tie, has been jailed amid a graft investigation.

China’s high division golf equipment paid eye-watering salaries to draw overseas expertise, however the league has nearly collapsed underneath the now-abandoned “zero-COVID” coverage and lingering financial malaise.