Former senior Chinese sports official stands trial for bribery

WUHAN -- Du Zhaocai, former deputy head of the General Administration of Sport of China, stood trial on Wednesday on charges of accepting bribes.

The case was heard by the Intermediate People's Court of Wuhan in Central China's Hubei province.

Between 2012 and 2022, Du, also formerly Party chief and a vice-president of the Chinese Football Association, took undue advantage of various positions he held to assist relevant organizations and individuals in matters such as tournament hosting, personnel arrangement, and player transfer, according to prosecutors.

He was found to have received money and valuables worth over 43.41 million yuan (about $6.1 million) in return for his actions.

The prosecutors, the defendant and his lawyers cross-examined the evidence and gave their respective accounts, a court statement said.

In his final statement, Du pleaded guilty and expressed remorse.

The trial was attended by more than 20 people, including lawmakers, political advisors and members of the public.

The verdict will be announced in due course.