Crackdown intensified on illegal activities in soccer

Chinese authorities have intensified a crackdown on illegal activities in soccer that have involved domestic league players, coaches and club officials, the Ministry of Public Security said on Tuesday.

The severe violations of law, such as match fixing, gambling and bribery, have taken a heavy toll on the sport's integrity and image, the ministry said at a news conference in Dalian, Liaoning province.

Citing the latest findings of a nationwide investigation, the ministry announced that 128 suspects, including former Chinese international players and team officials, from 41 domestic clubs have been arrested on suspicion of gambling, match fixing and bribery in a joint campaign with the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Football Association.