CBA issues penalties over age-fraud scandal

The Chinese Basketball Association issued a statement today, saying that an investigation had determined that athletes Zhang Hanbo and Li Yize are the same person, whose actual date of birth is March 19, 2006, rather than the falsely reported March 27, 2008. The athlete was found to have falsified his age to take part in competitions organized by the CBA.

In accordance with relevant regulations, the CBA has imposed the following penalties: Li Yize has been banned from taking part in CBA-affiliated competitions for three years, from June 10, 2026 to June 9, 2029, and must correct his age information; four related individuals have also been banned from competition for three years; and three related organizations have had their results in relevant competitions annulled and their registration qualifications suspended for three years.

In addition, other leads related to the case have been transferred, in accordance with jurisdictional authority, to disciplinary inspection and supervision departments. Further penalties will be imposed if additional violations are confirmed.

The CBA said it would draw lessons from the case, launch a special investigation into age falsification, establish long-term mechanisms including athlete resume verification and targeted checks, improve channels for public oversight, and take firm action against violations in order to safeguard a fair and just environment for the development of basketball.