Kristian Ferrell
Match-fixing in Chinese basketball has been a cause for concern for some time, with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) investigating several instances of suspicious results. In one notable incident in April 2023, the CBA launched a probe into a championship-round game between the Shanghai Sharks and the Jiangsu Dragons, which ended with a last-minute comeback by the Sharks following a series of turnovers by the Dragons. The investigation fueled suspicions of widespread corruption in Chinese sports, particularly in soccer. The CBA disqualified both teams from the playoffs and imposed heavy fines and suspensions on the clubs' personnel. Match-fixing in China is believed to be orchestrated by influential gambling syndicates, with the involvement of players, coaches, referees, and association officials. These incidents have cast a shadow over the sport in China, raising questions about the integrity of the game and the role of gambling in influencing match outcomes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of the suspected rigged game | 14 April 2023 |
| Teams involved | Shanghai Sharks, Jiangsu Dragons |
| Score | 108-104 |
| Time left when the suspected fixing began | 1 minute and 36 seconds |
| Number of turnovers | 5 |
| Time taken for turnovers | 1 minute |
| Outcome of the investigation | Both teams disqualified, fined $5 million, and their general managers and head coaches suspended for up to 5 years |
| Suspected reason for fixing | To ensure that a player would only miss one quarterfinal game |
| Other reasons for suspicion | Multiple former NBA players on the Shanghai Sharks' roster |
| Other instances of suspected fixing | Mavs pulled/benched some of their better players early in a game |
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What You'll Learn
Shanghai Sharks vs Jiangsu Dragons match-fixing investigation
On April 14, 2023, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) ordered an investigation into a championship-round game between the Shanghai Sharks and the Jiangsu Dragons following a last-minute, come-from-behind win by the Shanghai Sharks, which sparked strong doubts from the media and fans about potential match-fixing.
With 1 minute and 36 seconds left in Game 3 of the first round of the CBA playoffs, the Jiangsu Dragons were leading 100-96. However, they conceded multiple consecutive turnovers, including a behind-the-back crossover dribble that bounced off the player's backside and an inbound pass that flew over a player's head. This led to a 10-0 surge from the Shanghai Sharks, who eventually won the game 108-104, clinching the series 2-1 and advancing to the quarterfinals.
The investigation revealed that both teams had engaged in match-fixing, with the Shanghai Sharks accused of "giving up" in the second half of Game 2 of their best-of-three playoff series to minimise the number of quarterfinal games their former NBA star Eric Bledsoe would miss due to suspension. As a result, both teams were disqualified from the CBA playoffs, fined 5 million yuan (US$727,135), and had their season results nullified. Several individuals also faced punishments, including the head coaches and general managers of both teams, who were banned from coaching and barred from basketball-related activities for several years.
The match-fixing scandal has had a significant impact on the CBA, with CBA President and Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming expressing "heartbreak" over the incident involving two teams with a long history in the league. The scandal has also brought attention to the issue of widespread corruption in Chinese sports, with match-fixing believed to be controlled by influential gambling syndicates involving players, coaches, referees, and association officials.
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Match-fixing controlled by gambling syndicates
Match-fixing in Chinese basketball is believed to be controlled by influential gambling syndicates, with players, coaches, referees, and association officials all involved. Gambling is illegal in most of Asia, including mainland China, and this drives betting activity underground, making it difficult to monitor the markets for suspicious activity.
In the past, match-fixing was controlled by a small number of large global betting syndicates, which operated like organized crime groups. However, since 2013, many of these organizations have been disrupted, and match-fixing has become more fragmented, with more individual actors and local gangs involved.
In Chinese football, for example, there was a large-scale 2009-2013 investigation into football betting, bribery, and match-fixing, which revealed scandals from 2003-2009. Several high-ranking CFA officials were arrested and removed from their posts, and some players and referees were sentenced to several years in prison.
Similarly, in Chinese basketball, there have been recent investigations into suspicious game results. For instance, in April 2023, the Chinese Basketball Association ordered an investigation into a championship-round game between the Shanghai Sharks and the Jiangsu Dragons, which ended with a last-minute, come-from-behind win following a series of turnovers. Both teams were disqualified from the CBA playoffs after an investigation determined that they had engaged in match-fixing.
These examples illustrate how gambling syndicates can influence match-fixing in Chinese sports, including basketball. The involvement of players, coaches, referees, and officials is crucial to the success of these syndicates, and the illegal nature of gambling in China further complicates the issue by pushing it underground.
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Widespread corruption in Chinese sports
In April 2023, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) ordered an investigation into a championship-round game between the Shanghai Sharks and the Jiangsu Dragons. The game ended with a last-minute, come-from-behind win for the Shanghai Sharks, following a series of turnovers by the Jiangsu Dragons. This triggered huge doubts from the media and fans, with many accusing the match of being fixed.
The CBA's investigation into the alleged match-fixing highlighted continuing suspicions of widespread corruption in Chinese professional sports, especially in soccer. Match-fixing in China is believed to be controlled by influential gambling syndicates, with players, coaches, referees, and association officials all involved. The CBA, headed by NBA great Yao Ming, initially announced that it wanted reports from both teams on their conduct during the series.
Following the investigation, both teams were disqualified from the CBA playoffs and were fined the equivalent of $5 million. Their general managers and head coaches were also suspended from the league for up to five years. This is not an isolated incident, as Chinese sports, particularly soccer, have been plagued by match-fixing and corruption scandals for years.
In addition to basketball and soccer, other sports in China have also been affected by cheating and match-fixing scandals. For example, in the sport of snooker, ten players have been banned for match-fixing, and in college academics, there have been reports of Chinese students attempting to bribe professors for better grades. These incidents suggest that corruption and cheating are not only prevalent in professional sports but also in other aspects of Chinese society.
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Suspicion of match-fixing due to turnovers
Match-fixing in Chinese basketball has been a cause for concern for some time, with the nation's top-flight professional soccer league also facing similar issues. The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has been at the centre of these controversies, with suspicions of widespread corruption in Chinese sports.
In a recent incident, the CBA ordered an investigation into a championship-round game between the Shanghai Sharks and the Jiangsu Dragons. The game, played on Friday, April 14, 2023, ended with a last-minute, come-from-behind win for the Shanghai Sharks, who capitalised on a series of turnovers by the Jiangsu Dragons. With 1 minute and 36 seconds left, the Dragons led 100-96 but then committed five straight turnovers, allowing the Sharks to surge ahead and win the game 108-104, clinching the series 2-1 and advancing to the quarterfinals.
The suspicious nature of the turnovers sparked outrage among fans and media, who accused the match of being fixed. The CBA took note of the strong doubts and tasked the CBA League (Beijing) Sports Co., Ltd. with launching a comprehensive investigation into the matter, requesting both clubs to submit detailed reports. The investigation highlighted the continuing suspicions of match-fixing in the CBA, with potential involvement from players, coaches, referees, and association officials.
The CBA's initial response to the incident was well-received by the public, as they acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and took swift action. The investigation's results were awaited by many, with potential punishments and consequences to be announced for any violations discovered. The CBA's handling of this incident is seen as a crucial step in addressing the issue of match-fixing in Chinese basketball and restoring the integrity of the sport in the country.
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Chinese basketball teams fined for match-fixing
In April 2023, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) was embroiled in a match-fixing scandal involving two of its teams, the Shanghai Sharks and the Jiangsu Dragons, during the opening round of the 12-team CBA playoffs. The incident sparked widespread doubts and concerns among fans and the media, triggering an investigation into the matter.
The game in question, which took place on Friday, April 14, 2023, saw the Jiangsu Dragons leading the Shanghai Sharks 100-96 with only 1 minute and 36 seconds left on the clock. However, a series of unusual turnovers in the closing moments allowed the Shanghai Sharks to mount a comeback and secure a victory. The turnovers included a behind-the-back crossover dribble that bounced off a player's backside, an inbound pass that flew over a player's head, and several other mistakes.
Following the investigation, the Chinese Basketball Association took decisive action against the two teams involved. Both the Shanghai Sharks and the Jiangsu Dragons were disqualified from the CBA playoffs and received hefty fines of 5 million Chinese yuan (approximately $727,000) each. Additionally, the coaches and general managers of both teams were banned from basketball-related activities for varying durations, with Shanghai's coach receiving a five-year ban and Jiangsu's coach a three-year ban. The scandal sent shockwaves through the Chinese basketball community and raised concerns about the integrity of the sport in the country.
The CBA President and Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming expressed his heartbreak over the scandal, emphasizing the importance of reputation and credibility in sports. The scandal also brought to light ongoing suspicions about widespread corruption in Chinese professional sports, particularly in football, and the influence of gambling syndicates in match-fixing.
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Frequently asked questions
There have been several instances of suspected match-fixing in Chinese basketball, with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) investigating a game between the Shanghai Sharks and Jiangsu Dragons in April 2023.
With 1 minute and 36 seconds left in Game 3, the Dragons (leading 100-96) conceded multiple turnovers, allowing the Sharks to surge ahead and win the game 108-104. This sparked accusations of match-fixing from fans and the media.
The CBA determined that both teams had engaged in match-fixing and disqualified them from the CBA playoffs. The teams were also fined, and their general managers and head coaches were suspended from the league for up to five years.
Match-fixing is believed to be controlled by influential gambling syndicates in China, with players, coaches, referees and association officials all involved. There have been suspicions of widespread corruption in various Chinese professional sports leagues, especially soccer.
Yes, there have been accusations of match-fixing in a game involving the Mavs. They were fined and their officials banned over match-fixing allegations.
