TAIPEI — A scandal is unfolding at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) as prosecutors investigate serious allegations that members of the women’s football team were coerced into undergoing repeated blood draws under threat of losing academic credits.
The Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office has identified coach Zhou Taiying as a person of interest in connection with possible coercion and embezzlement. In response, prosecutors have instructed the Investigation Bureau’s Taipei City Division to seize blood samples still stored at the university and collect related documents to preserve critical evidence.
The probe has also expanded to include requests for information from the Ministry of Education and the National Science and Technology Council. Prosecutors have not yet summoned Coach Zhou for questioning but emphasized that the university has been formally ordered not to tamper with or destroy any evidence related to the case.
Reports from affected students reveal a troubling pattern: they were allegedly forced to undergo blood draws three times a day, for 14 consecutive days, during both winter and summer breaks—ranging from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Those who refused to cooperate were reportedly threatened with losing up to 32 academic credits over four years, effectively endangering their graduation.
Students also disclosed that the procedures were often carried out by unqualified individuals and that the NT$1,200 testing fee was never paid to them. Some recounted traumatic experiences at a press conference, saying blood was drawn more than 200 times during their college years. After repeated blood draws, veins in their arms became unusable, and multiple failed attempts had to be made to extract blood from their wrists.
One student said it took six needle insertions to complete a single blood draw. Others turned to social media, complaining that they received little football training during their time at NTNU and instead were treated like test subjects.
Authorities say the research was allegedly tied to a project funded by the National Science and Technology Council. Officials are now investigating the ethical violations surrounding the study and whether students’ participation was voluntary or coerced.
NTNU and related institutions have yet to issue a full response to the growing controversy. Meanwhile, prosecutors continue to collect evidence and determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
The case has sparked public outrage and intensified calls for greater oversight of university research programs, particularly those involving student-athletes.
