Liu Xiang Cuts Ties With Sports Bureau, Donates Pay
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago4 MIN
Summary
Olympic 110m hurdles champion Liu Xiang (劉翔) said on September 10 that he completed buyout procedures on September 1, formally ending his relationship with the Shanghai Sports Bureau after years of unresolved post-retirement placement issues. He also said that on September 2 he donated all salary and subsidies received since retiring on April 7, 2015, to the China Charity Federation for Tibet mudslide relief.
Key Points
- Liu said he received a buyout payment of 494,000 yuan after completing the formal procedures on September 1, severing all ties with the Shanghai Sports Bureau.
- He said that on September 2 he donated 982,935 yuan, covering salary and subsidies received since April 7, 2015, to the China Charity Federation.
- According to Liu, the donation was earmarked specifically for rescue and relief work after mudslide disasters in Tibet, and he posted bank transfer records online.
- Liu said that since retiring in 2015, he had never been given any official staffing arrangement or corresponding job post by the authorities.
- He questioned why, after 11 years and amid repeated official efforts to tackle “on the payroll but not at work” cases, he was suddenly told to choose between coaching and a buyout.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the case draws attention to how elite athletes are supported after retirement, especially when injuries and long service leave lasting personal costs. Liu said he made the issue public not to seek special treatment, but to push for more flexible and suitable pathways for retired athletes, a debate likely to resonate beyond the mainland sports system.