On January 29, 2024, the Intermediate People's Court of Huangshi City, Hubei Province, openly tried the case of Chen Xuyuan**, former deputy secretary of the Party Committee and chairman of the Chinese Football Association, in the first instance. As the trial progressed, Chen Xuyuan was accused of taking advantage of his position to repeatedly accept property from others, totaling tens of millions of yuan. According to the prosecution's allegations, during his tenure as chairman of the Chinese Football Association, Chen Xuyuan took advantage of his power to seek benefits for others and accept bribes, and the circumstances were serious.
The scene of the trial. (Photo courtesy of Huangshi Intermediate People's Court) The Huangshi Municipal People's Procuratorate alleges: From 2010 to 2023, the defendant Chen Xuyuan successively took advantage of his position as president and chairman of Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd., head of the preparatory group for the general election of the Chinese Football Association, and chairman of the Chinese Football Association, as well as the convenience of the formation of his authority and status, to provide assistance to relevant units and individuals in matters such as project contracting, investment and operation, and event arrangement. Illegally accepted property from others totaling more than 81.03 million yuan. The procuratorate requested that Chen Xuyuan be investigated for criminal responsibility for the crime of **.
The scene of the trial. (Photo courtesy of Huangshi Intermediate People's Court) During the trial, the procuratorate presented relevant evidence, and the defendant Chen Xuyuan and his defender cross-examined it, and Chen Xuyuan confessed to the prosecution's accusations and expressed his willingness to accept legal sanctions. His defense lawyer also defended him, pointing out that Chen Xuyuan had made great contributions to the cause of Chinese football during his tenure as chairman of the Chinese Football Association, but because of his greed, he embarked on the road of breaking the law and committing crimes.
After the trial, the Intermediate People's Court of Huangshi City, Hubei Province, pronounced the verdict in court that Chen Xuyuan committed the crime of ** and was sentenced to 13 years in prison and fined 3 million yuan. The court held that Chen Xuyuan, as a state functionary, took advantage of his position to seek benefits for others and illegally accepted other people's property, and his behavior had constituted a crime.
After hearing the verdict, Chen Xuyuan said that he would obey the verdict and would not appeal. He repented deeply and realized his mistakes and sins. He said: "I am sorry for the country, I am sorry for the people, and I am sorry for the cause of Chinese football. I am willing to accept the punishment of the law and I am willing to pay for the mistakes I have made. The prosecution and defense fully expressed their opinions under the auspices of the court, and Chen Xuyuan made a final statement, pleading guilty and repenting in court.
The trial and verdict of this case have aroused widespread concern and heated discussions in society. Many believe that this is a major victory in the fight against corruption in Chinese football, and it is also a warning to other corrupt elements. At the same time, some people affirmed and recognized Chen Xuyuan's confession and remorse, believing that he had made contributions to the cause of Chinese football, but because of his greed, he embarked on the wrong path.
At the end of the trial, the court announced an adjournment and announced the verdict at a later date.
More than 30 people, including deputies to the National People's Congress, members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, journalists, and people from all walks of life, attended the trial.
It is reported that Chen Yongliang, former executive deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Football Association and former minister of the national team management department, was tried publicly by the Xian'an District People's Court of Xianning City, Hubei Province and the People's Court of Jiayu County, Hubei Province respectively in accordance with the law on suspicion of bribery. At the same time, Liu Lei, the former deputy director of the Wuhan National Fitness Center, was also suspected of bribery and accepted the public trial of the two courts. Chen Xuyuan was charged with more than 81.03 million yuan in the first instance