Zhang Tiangang (; born 20 February 1985) is a Chinese former footballer.

Career Early career Born in Beijing, Zhang was selected to study at the China Football School in Qinhuangdao at the age of twelve. Four years later, in July 2001, he was signed by professional club Xiamen Blue Lions (then known as Xiamen Hongshi), but would remain on the bench for most games. Following the arrival of manager Gao Hongbo in February 2004, Zhang saw his playing time increase, and he helped the club reach the Chinese Super League ahead of the 2006 season.

Qingdao Hailifeng match-fixing scandal

Following Gao's departure as head coach during the 2006 season, Zhang would also leave the club after the following year, dropping down to the China League One with Qingdao Hailifeng. It was at Qingdao Hailifeng that he would be subject to allegations of match-fixing. In the match against Sichuan in September 2009, Qingdao Hailifeng were leading 3–0 with twenty minutes remaining, however club chairman Du Yunqi had bet before the game that there would be four goals scored, and instructed his players to score in either goal. Zhang was one of the players to attempt to score an own goal, alongside teammate Li Ming, whose first effort was saved by goalkeeper Mu Pengfei, before a second hit the post.

Zhang's own effort went wide of the goal, and Qingdao Hailifeng went on to win 3–0. Zhang denied the allegations, stating that he "would have been fired by the club long ago", had he been involved in any match-fixing. While teammates Li Ming and Du Bin were given lifetime bans by the Chinese Football Association (CFA), Zhang escaped punishment, with media in Nanchang describing him as "a survivor of the shipwreck".

Later career Following the suspension of Qingdao Hailifeng by the CFA, Zhang joined Chinese Super League club Nanchang Hengyuan for the 2010 season.

Career statistics Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueCupOtherTotal DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsXiamen Blue Lions2006Chinese Super League182000018220071800000180 Total3620000362Nanchang Hengyuan2010Chinese Super League51000051201150000050 Total1010000101 Career total4630000463 Notes

References