Chinese Football Clubs relegated for match-fixing

Two top-division Chinese football clubs have been relegated to the second division after club officials were found guilty of match-fixing and gambling.

According to the China Daily newspaper, the Chinese Football Association's disciplinary committee has decided to relegate Guangzhou GPC and Chengdu Blades, although the teams have the right to appeal.

Chengdu is owned by English Championship side Sheffield United and has links with the Central Coast Mariners. Its President Xu Hongtao was arrested last month in a probe into match-fixing in the country.

Match-fixing probes have seen more than 20 officials arrested or detained in recent months, including the Chinese Football Association's former President Nan Yong.

Former Sydney FC striker Brendon Santalab is a Chengdu Blades player.

His agent Lou Sticca told media "things are being cleaned up at the club and in the game in general over there, with local government now becoming involved with the clubs.

"Brendon is tied to the club and is a very honourable person, so he will continue with that commitment."

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