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Local Tycoon Faces Backlash Over Broken Football Promise

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Tang Lei, chairwoman of Xinlantian Group in Yongzhou, faced backlash for failing to fulfill her promise to gift cars to the football team after they won.
The local football association in Yongzhou did not pressure her, citing her financial situation.
The incident drew 22 million views on social media, and state media praised its public connection.
Tang Lei previously donated 100,000 yuan (US$14,000) to help the team compete.

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Story summary

Tang Lei, chairwoman of Xinlantian Group in Yongzhou, faced backlash for failing to fulfill her promise to gift cars to the football team after they won.
The local football association in Yongzhou did not pressure her, citing her financial situation.
The incident drew 22 million views on social media, and state media praised its public connection.
Tang Lei previously donated 100,000 yuan (US$14,000) to help the team compete.