The China Table Tennis Association issues a stern notice: players banned from competition, such as Yan Bingtao, may face lifetime bans if they participate in violations.

Ask AI · Why has the Association suddenly stepped up regulatory enforcement after players have violated rules for years?

The Chinese Billiards Association has just issued a notice, reiterating strict crackdowns on violations committed during suspension periods.

Previously, the Association, in accordance with relevant regulations and industry rules, imposed suspensions on multiple athletes involved in serious illegal and违规 behaviors such as sports betting and match-fixing, clearly prohibiting them from participating in any form of billiards events and activities within Mainland China.

However, it has recently been verified that some athletes who are still serving suspension periods have disregarded the penalty decisions and organized or participated in online and offline exhibition matches, performance matches, and similar activities through online live streams, recorded broadcasts, and other means, which has seriously undermined industry governance order and caused adverse social impacts. To this end, the Association reiterates the seriousness of the penalty decisions, requires suspended athletes to immediately stop all illegal acts during their suspension, and submit a self-inspection report within a specified deadline.

Suspended players violate rules by participating in various activities

For those who continue to violate the rules, strict accountability measures will be taken, such as extending suspensions, imposing lifetime bans, and even restricting professional qualifications. At the same time, the Association will coordinate with relevant authorities to strengthen supervision, call on all sectors of society to jointly oversee the situation, and provide a举报 email address.

In addition to players who have been banned for life, those currently in suspension include Yan Bingtao, Lu Ning, Chen Zifan, Zhang Jiankang, and Bai Lonning.

Back then, 10 Chinese players were suspended. The announcement issued by the China-Taiwan Billiards Association clearly banned them from participating in billiards activities of any form, but over these past few years, no one has managed to regulate the various activities those suspended players have been participating in.

Today, they suddenly issued an announcement requiring suspended players to submit self-inspection reports. Once you check, there are plenty of live streams and recordings. They don’t admit it and they still get punished if they do. Even the event organizers and event signal producers will face penalties.

For example, Yan Bingtao. Over these years, he hasn’t done little by participating in various activities. His international suspension expires at the end of next year, while his domestic suspension runs until 2030. Are they going to further increase the punishment and suspend him for several more years?