Chinese football returns against backdrop of bans, crackdowns and confusion

Reporting by Theguardian says former China coach Li Tie has been jailed since December 2024 and was banned from all football activities for life after the ministry of public security, the general administration of sport and the Chinese FA announced another round of punishments in a “zero-tolerance” campaign to clean up football.

The disciplinary measures affect 13 clubs and will shape the 2026 Chinese Super League season, which starts in early March. Shanghai Shenhua begin the campaign on minus 10 points, Shanghai Port have been deducted five, and Chengdu Rongcheng — who finished third last season — start on zero and are now seen as title favourites.

China, Shanghai; Chengdu