Three Chinese?football clubs involved in the recent gambling and match-fixing scandals are facing severe punishment from the Chinese Football Association.

The Disciplinary Committee of China Football Association held a meeting in Xianghe, Beijing on Sunday. They announced a preliminary punishment to three clubs involved in the gambling and match-fixing scandals.

According to the announcement, Chengdu Blades FC and Guangzhou Pharmaceutical FC will be relegated to the First Division League from the top flight Chinese Super League. Qingdao Hailifeng FC are disqualified from registration in any league and will have to pay a fine of 200,000 yuan (US$29,400).

An unprecedented anti-corruption campaign started last November to cleanse Chinese soccer which has been long ridden with scandal. More than 20 officials, players and club managers have been arrested or detained in the last two months on suspicion of match-fixing or gambling, which is illegal in China.

The CFA has informed the three clubs of this punishment orally and called for delegates from these clubs to attend a public hearing in Beijing. There is very little chance the clubs can overturn the punishment although they reserve the right of petition.

Officials from CFA said that this was only a preliminary punishment, which wouldn't take effect without the approval of CFA and General Administration of Sport of China. However, it might be only a matter of time before the authorities confirm the punishment.

The potential relegation of Chengdu and Guangzhou has cast a shadow over the upcoming Chinese Super League (CSL) season, whether it will be delayed is not yet clear. The Chinese Football Association Super League Co. Ltd, which is in charge of the operation of the CSL, noted that nothing was for sure until they receive an official order from CFA.

What is certain is that, if approved, these punishments will be the severest in China's professional football history.