Former chairman of Chinese Football Association charged with bribery-state TV

BEIJING : Chinese authorities have charged the former chairman of the national football association with bribery as part of an anti-corruption investigation into the soccer federation, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Tuesday.

Authorities in central Hubei province charged Chen Xuyuan, the ex-head of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), with utilising his position and authority to "seek benefits for others" and "illegally accept other people's property and possessions", CCTV reported.

Chen's case was now before the public prosecutor, CCTV added.

Chen could not be reached for comment. The CFA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comments.

Chen was also the deputy party secretary for the football organisation.

In August, Chinese state media reported that senior soccer official and chairman of the Chinese Super League Liu Jun had been taken away by authorities for investigation.

In January, two former CFA officials were investigated for suspected "severe violations of the law", according to statements posted by the sports regulator.

Another two leading soccer officials were investigated for suspected serious violations of the law in March.