According to state broadcaster CCTV, Gou Zhongwen, who held the position of Director of the General Administration of Sport of China from 2016 to 2022, is being investigated for alleged serious breaches of discipline and law. This phrase is commonly understood as a reference to corruption.

"Gou is currently undergoing disciplinary review and supervisory investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission," CCTV said, referring to Beijing's two top anti-corruption bodies.

The report did not specify what violations Gou is suspected of committing. Since assuming the role of China's top leader over a decade ago, President Xi Jinping has overseen a wide-ranging crackdown on corruption.

The sporting industry has not been spared, with several top officials facing legal repercussions for alleged malfeasance in recent years.

In March, former chairman of the Chinese Football Association Chen Xuyuan was sentenced to life in prison for accepting bribes worth $11 million (€10.1million), making him the latest of around 10 high-level CFA officials to fall foul of watchdogs.