BEIJING — The top of China’s nationwide soccer federation has been arrested on corruption fees within the newest blow to the nation’s effort to develop its standing at dwelling and internationally.

A one-sentence assertion from the ruling Communist Occasion’s anti-graft watchdog physique mentioned Chen Shuyuan had been positioned below investigation by nationwide and Hubei provincial sports activities our bodies. No particulars got in regards to the accusations in opposition to him.

Chen is head of the Chinese language Soccer Affiliation and vice chair of its celebration committee, underscoring the federal government’s heavy hand in trying to direct success within the recreation.

Regardless of its success within the Olympics, China has solely certified for one World Cup virtually 20 years in the past.

China’s president and Communist Occasion chief Xi Jinping declared a objective to make the nation a superpower, however funding and enthusiasm have appeared to dwindle.

The nationwide staff has seen a revolving door of overseas and home managers and one if its most adorned previous leaders, former Everton and Sheffield United midfielder Li Tie, has been jailed amid a graft investigation.

China’s prime division golf equipment paid eye-watering salaries to draw overseas expertise, however the league has just about collapsed below the now-abandoned “zero-COVID” coverage and lingering financial malaise.