Top young Chinese footballer fears for future after smashing Porsche into six cars while 10 times over alcohol limit
Zhang Xiuwei fined six months’ salary and makes public apology but 21-year-old midfielder’s career could be over as he awaits outcome of court trial
Zhang Xiuwei, one of China’s most promising young footballers, has been fined six months’ salary and made to offer a public apology after drunkenly smashing his Porsche into six cars last month.
The 21-year-old, who spent two years with French side Lyon, has established himself in Tianjin Quanjian’s first team after making his debut in the China Super League in April, but the incident, which blew up on Chinese social media, has his future in doubt.
On August 15, Zhang hit six cars with his Porsche 991 in Heping District, Tianjin. A blood test showed Zhang’s blood alcohol content was 189.3mg/100ml, nearly 10 times the legal limit.
He was arrested the following day on the suspicion of dangerous driving but released on bail pending trial. He was temporarily suspended from football activities by the Chinese Football Association, which stated they would wait for the result of the trial before making any punishment.
Quanjian said the player had reflected deeply on his behaviour and would accept any form of punishment by the club and the CFA.
Sichuan-born Zhang has been likened to Real Madrid star Luka Modric for his style in midfield and earned high praise from manager Fabio Cannavaro this season before the incident.
