The Chinese Super League is currently engulfed in a major corruption scandal as it prepares to start the 2026 season, leading to a massive cleanup effort. Consequently, a total of 13 teams have received penalties, including point deductions and fines. Of the 16 teams in the league, nine will commence the season with point penalties, including Shanghai Shenhua and Tianjin Tigers, who face the heaviest sanctions of a 10-point deduction.

The penalties come as a response to widespread match-fixing and corruption that has plagued the league, with some clubs already having been relegated. Fines for these teams range from 270,000 Norwegian kroner to 1.3 million kroner, reflecting the severity of their involvement in illicit transactions. The Chinese Football Association, which is overseeing these disciplinary actions, emphasized that the sanctions were determined based on the scope, nature, and community impact of the offenses committed by each club.

This development signals a strong stance by football authorities in China to restore integrity within the sport and address issues that have long been a challenge in the country's football landscape. By implementing these stringent measures, the league aims to foster a cleaner competitive environment and potentially regain the trust of fans and stakeholders, although the road ahead will undoubtedly be complex and fraught with challenges.