Football corruption is rampant, but it is just the tip of the iceberg in China's sports world

How shocking is corruption in Chinese sports? The recent corruption in football is just the tip of the iceberg. From the government to enterprises, from industries to groups, the ubiquitous phenomenon of corruption has seriously affected the development and reputation of China's sports industry. This corruption is characterized by top-down, systematic and complete nature, no faith, no pursuit, no conscience, and only one purpose: to make money. The direct result of corruption is the loss of state property, and the indirect result is the loss of people's property, and the life and survival are also greatly threatened! How should we face this stark reality? How can we change this bad culture? How should we reshape the image and dignity of Chinese sports?

The corruption incident in football is just a microcosm of the problem of corruption in China's sports world. In the Chinese sports world, behind many gold medal events, there is a Yu Li-like figure. Yu Li was the first official to be taken away for investigation after the central inspection team was stationed in the State General Administration of Sports. She was the leader of the national synchronized swimming team and was known as the "Queen of Flowers". She used her power to influence team members to enter the national team, accepting bribes, embezzlement of public funds, and abuse of power, involving as much as 120 million yuan. Her actions seriously harmed the national interest and sports equity.

Yu Li is not alone. In competitive sports, many sports have opaque, non-public, and non-standardized selection mechanisms. Some projects are the final say of the head coach or leader, and some are manipulation interventions by local or interest groups. This has led to some athletes with strength and potential being excluded, suppressed, and even forced to change their nationality; And some athletes who have no strength and no potential are promoted, escorted, and even forced to participate in the competition. This undermines the fairness and justice of competitive sports, and also affects the career development and personal dignity of athletes.

In addition to the selection of athletes and coaches, referees and agents are also the hardest hit by corruption in China's sporting world. Referees play a vital role in the game, and their decisions directly affect the outcome of the game and the fate of the athletes.

However, in the history of Chinese football, the problem of referee corruption has always been a difficult problem that has plagued the development of Chinese football. From the early "black whistle" Lu Jun to the recent "golden whistle" Zhang Lei, they have all been sentenced for bribery, match-fixing, gambling and other crimes. They have not only damaged the reputation and image of Chinese football, but also hurt the hearts of countless fans. Agents act as a bridge between athletes and clubs, providing services and advice on athletes' transfers, contracts, commercial endorsements, etc.

However, in Chinese sports, agents also have various improper behaviors, such as accepting kickbacks, extortion, creating false news, and manipulating matches. They not only harm the interests and rights of athletes, but also undermine the order and rules of the sports market.

What is the root cause of corruption in Chinese sports?

On the one hand, there is the imperfection and opacity of the sports management system. China's sports industry has long been in a national system and administrative mode, and lacks effective supervision and restraint mechanisms, which has led to space for rent-seeking and profit transmission.

On the other hand, there is the absence of sports culture and the distortion of values. The long-term pursuit of gold medal supremacy and utilitarian goals in China's sports industry has neglected the cultivation of sportsmanship and moral norms, leading some people to unscrupulous means for money and fame and fortune.

How to solve the problem of corruption in China's sports world?

On the one hand, it is necessary to strengthen the building of anti-corruption and clean government in the field of sports, and severely punish all those who violate the law and discipline, no matter how high their positions and ranks, no matter how much merit and contribution they have. It is necessary to strengthen the auditing and supervision of sports resources and prevent abuse of power, embezzlement of public funds, embezzlement and bribery. It is necessary to strengthen the supervision and management of sports events and prevent the occurrence of match-fixing, black whistles, and gambling.

On the other hand, it is necessary to reform and improve the sports management system, promote the professionalization and marketization of sports, and increase openness and transparency in the field of sports. It is necessary to cultivate a healthy sports culture, carry forward the Olympic spirit and sports ethics, and establish correct values and competitive outlooks.