China has announced that Ni Huizhong, the former chief of its Winter Olympics delegation and recent head of the country’s winter sports management office, is under investigation for alleged corruption. The General Administration of Sport stated that Ni, 54, is “suspected of serious violations of discipline and law,” a term frequently used by Chinese authorities to denote corruption.

Ni, who served as secretary-general for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics delegation held under strict Covid measures, is the latest high-profile figure in a series of sports officials facing scrutiny in China’s sweeping anti-corruption drive within the sports industry. Earlier this month, former national football coach and ex-Premier League player Li Tie was charged with corruption and bribery, part of a broader investigation into top football association officials since late last year.

The anti-graft measures extend beyond football, as evidenced by lifetime bans issued in June to two Chinese snooker players involved in an international match-fixing scandal. Since taking office over a decade ago, President Xi Jinping has maintained a strong stance against corruption, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability within the government and sports sectors. While proponents argue that the campaign promotes integrity, critics suggest it may also be a means for Xi to eliminate political adversaries.