TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Chinese Sports Lottery Development Association Chair He You-chi (何昱奇) announced Wednesday that he is resigning after facing backlash over his criticism of Sports Minister Lee Yang (李洋).
On Monday, He objected to what he said was the characterization of anyone criticizing Lee's reforms as having vested interests in the status quo, per NOWNews. He argued that the Sports Ministry had ignored reform proposals submitted by his association and urged Lee to pursue practical policies rather than what he described as creating unnecessary confrontation.
He also warned that because sports rank relatively low among the government's spending priorities, poor communication by the ministry could make it more difficult to secure funding from the public in the future. Revenue from Taiwan's sports lottery is allocated to the Sports Development Fund, which is dedicated to sports-related spending, per the Ministry of Sports website.
After making those remarks, He faced criticism online. On Tuesday, he defended his comments, saying they were directed at Lee's administrative approach rather than at Lee personally or his accomplishments as an athlete, per SETN.
He also rejected allegations that he had a vested interest in preserving the status quo. He cited his efforts to ensure sports lottery revenue is used exclusively for sports development, arguing that allowing athletes to focus on competition rather than fundraising for overseas events should remain the core objective of reform.
He further highlighted his financial support for several elementary and junior high schools. Principals from schools that received his donations vouched for his contributions, saying they continue to rely on his support and still face shortages of shuttlecocks, per UDN.
However, He announced Wednesday that he was apologizing to Lee and the Sports Ministry and withdrawing from the sports lottery industry, per UDN. He said the backlash prompted him to reconsider his career plans.
He added that the association would review how it allocates its resources to ensure athletes, schools and sports organizations continue to receive long-term support.
DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung (莊瑞雄) said the legislature welcomes criticism of government agencies, per SETN. Referring to the online backlash against He, Chuang said the public response appeared to have had a significant impact on him.
