In a groundbreaking move, China Central Television (CCTV) launched its annual large-scale anti-corruption documentary, “Continued Efforts, Deepening Progress,” during prime time on the first weekend of 2024. The four-episode series delves into 12 typical corruption cases, featuring high-profile figures, including Li Tie, former head coach of the Chinese men’s national soccer team, Chen Xuyuan, former chairman of the Chinese Football Association, and Du Zhaocai, former deputy director of the General Administration of Sport.
The documentary, which premiered on CCTV-1 at 8:00 pm on Saturday night, showcases cases investigated by disciplinary inspection and supervision authorities. Notably, all three implicated officials, including Li, Chen, and Du, publicly confessed to their crimes on camera, marking a significant development in the ongoing anti-corruption efforts within Chinese soccer.
The extensive coverage of corruption within the soccer industry has set records in terms of duration, scope, and the number of arrests. Analysts highlight its historic significance, making it the most extensive anti-corruption action in the history of Chinese soccer. Du, in particular, holds the highest-ranking position among officials arrested in previous soccer-related anti-corruption operations.
In a preview clip released earlier, Du admitted to being influenced by the interests of club owners while pursuing personal gain. Chen, visibly thinner, sincerely apologized to soccer fans nationwide, while Li expressed deep regret, acknowledging that he should have adhered to the right path.
All three officials have undergone investigations and have been transferred to a detention center, paving the way for a highly anticipated public trial. Given their inclusion in the official documentary, speculation is rife that they may not receive lenient treatment.
Soccer journalist Ran Xiongfei highlighted the substantial amounts involved in the cases, reaching into the tens of millions of yuan, surpassing previous anti-corruption efforts in China. Ran suggested that severe punishment is likely for the implicated officials.
The documentary also sheds light on corruption in various sectors, featuring disgraced former officials involved in bribery cases exceeding 100 million yuan. The breadth of corruption unveiled in the documentary reinforces the Communist Party of China’s commitment to comprehensive governance and strict discipline, as emphasized at the 20th National Congress in October 2022.
The Party’s unwavering resolve to combat corruption has resulted in the downfall of dozens of senior officials over the past year, showcasing its commitment to self-revolution and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.