China to indict FIBA official Xiao Tian

Xiao Tian speaks at a press conference at the media centre for the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 10, 2010. AFP PHOTO / PETER PARKS

BEIJING  — A senior Chinese sports official who also is a vice president of basketball’s international body FIBA will face criminal indictment in China after he was stripped of membership of China’s ruling party and all official duties.

The party’s internal disciplinary body announced Thursday that Xiao Tian, formerly vice minister of sports responsible for basketball, was found to have violated political disciplines and rules.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said Xiao took bribes and sought benefits for others, tried to transfer illicit gains and hindered investigations. It said Xiao hired and promoted his wife in violation of personnel rules and accepted bribes and gifts including golf sessions from private business people.

Since taking power in late 2012, Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a broad campaign against corruption among bureaucrats and officials in government and state industry.

The commission said Xiao’s acts have been particularly flagrant after the party leadership demanded frugality among its members. It said Xiao wined and dined people on the public purse and frequented private clubs.

While traveling abroad on business, Xiao also changed his itineraries and extended his trips without approval, the disciplinary group said.

The party has decided to confiscate his illicit gains and hand him over to authorities for criminal indictment.

Xiao is still listed as a member of FIBA Central Board on its website.