BEIJING – The head of China’s top professional football league is under investigation for suspected corruption, the country’s sports authority said on Wednesday, as a campaign against graft rages through the sector.

Liu Jun, the chair of the company that runs the Chinese Super League, is being probed for “suspected serious legal and disciplinary violations”, the General Administration of Sport said.

The statement used a well-worn byword for alleged corrupt practices but did not give details of the suspected offences.

Liu joins a lengthening list of Chinese sports officials investigated in recent months amid an industry-wide anti-graft drive.

They include notable football personalities like former national coach Li Tie who has been criminally charged with bribery and other violations.

On Saturday, the sports administration said it was examining alleged corruption by last year’s Winter Olympic delegation chief Ni Huizhong.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has led a clampdown on corruption since coming to power a decade ago.

Proponents say the campaign helps to ensure honest governance, but critics say it allows Xi to purge political rivals. REUTERS