Football match-fixing has again raised eyebrows in China, this time involving an under-10 game in Beijing where two teams scored six goals between them.
The Chinese Youth Football League clash between ranked teams Dongcheng Sports School 16 Orange and Kickers Lan ended 3-3, as both tried to avoid winning their group, thus finding the easiest route to the knockout stage.
Video of the game at the Xiaojiahe Lvdong Tiandi Football Stadium went viral, and a predictable meltdown on Chinese social media quickly followed.
On Friday, the national governing body of the tournament said it was investigating the incident, while the Beijing Football Association (BFA) banned both teams and permanently banned several people from participating in any football-related activities in the city.
“The occurrence of such an incident in a youth tournament is very serious and has caused serious consequences,” the Chinese Football Association said. “The CFA will work with the relevant department to conduct a thorough investigation into the management and disciplinary issues involved.
“The CFA strongly opposes any form of match-fixing or misconduct that jeopardizes the healthy development of youth football and will impose severe penalties depending on the outcome.”
