Since the beginning of the year to start the anti-corruption storm so far, China's soccer world has experienced a profound change. In just a few months, the core layer of the Football Association (FA) has been in turmoil, with a number of key players falling one after another. From former international soccer player Li Tie to FA Secretary Liu Yi, to Chairman Chen Xuyuan, Disciplinary Committee Director Wang Xiaoping, and even General Administration of Sport Deputy Director Du Zhaocai, all have not been spared. Currently, nine senior soccer officials have been investigated and punished for corruption, leaving only Sun Wen and Gao Hongbo at the top of the FA.
Recently, Gao Hongbo was appointed as the head of the Referee and Competition Department, with specific duties announced on April 7th. The appointment was made personally by Li Yingchuan, the leader of the FA.
Previously, the post of head of the Competition Department was held by Huang Song, but he was investigated on March 24 on suspicion of serious disciplinary violations. Gao Hongbo took up the post and shouldered the responsibility of replacing the fallen senior official. Not only that, but he personally traveled to Hangzhou's Huanglong Stadium to oversee the new Super Cup tournament against last season's Chinese Super League champions Wuhan Sanzhen and AFC Cup winners Shandong Taishan. It is evident that Gao Hongbo's loyalty and competence in the anti-corruption drive has made him a shining jewel in Chinese soccer. Gao Hongbo, 57, has won widespread acclaim for his years of dedicated work ethic and outstanding coaching career. Even after stepping down from his post, former international footballer Fan Zhiyi has made a point of speaking out in his honor. It is worth mentioning that Gao Hongbo was equally brilliant in his athletic career. He played for Beijing, Singapore, Sintra and Guangzhou Songri, and led Beijing Guoan to win the FA Cup in 1996. During his career with the national team, he led the team to win the 1985 Asian Youth Championship and the 1992 Asian Cup. After his retirement, Gao Hongbo joined the coaching world, served as the coach of Yatai, and led the team to win the Chinese Super League title. With his outstanding coaching ability, he was twice invited to be the head coach of the Chinese men's soccer team and became famous when he led the national soccer team to beat South Korea and France during his first coaching period. However, during the downturn of the national soccer team, Gao Hongbo was once again entrusted with the task of helping the team to advance to the Top 40. Despite this, many fans expressed dissatisfaction with his stay and even Fan Zhiyi raised his voice for Gao Hongbo. However, Gao Hongbo has always been low-key and humble, unwilling to steal the limelight, which makes him in this anti-corruption action can be preserved. Reviewing the experience of Gao Hongbo, it is not difficult to find that he has faced many difficulties in his coaching career, but always adhere to the original intention, and quietly pay for the cause of soccer. This anti-corruption action is a proof of Gao Hongbo's loyalty and ability. During Gao Hongbo's tenure as vice chairman of the Football Association, he chose to take a back seat and devote himself to youth training. Now, with the fall of Chen Xuyuan, Huang Song and others, Gao Hongbo finally from behind the scenes to the front of the stage, become the FA "seven" in the core figure.
