‘Vampire coach’ case casts spotlight on Taiwan’s culture of obedience

Ex-football star admits to coercing students into providing blood samples for research

- Yip Wai Yee

TAIPEI — A case involving a “vampire coach” who forced her football team to give blood samples for research — in exchange for academic credits — has shone the spotlight on Taiwan’s deep-seated culture of obedience to figures of authority.

This is especially evident in the high-pressure world of sports, experts say, where abusive practices by those with authority, such as coaches or associations, are sometimes overlooked in the name of obedience and discipline.

In the case of Chou Tai-ying, her status as Taiwan’s former football star likely fed the perception that she was untouchable, making it even harder for her students to resist or speak up, noted Professor Yu Jun-wei from the National Taiwan University of Sport.

Chou, 61, has admitted to coercing female football players at National Taiwan Normal University — a highly regarded institution in Taipei — into giving blood for research projects as a condition to earn academic credits or face failing grades. It is unclear how many victims, who were typically aged 18 to 20, were involved over a five-year period.

One football player reportedly provided at least 200 blood samples in order to graduate in time. On many occasions, blood was drawn by people without medical qualifications, which could pose major health risks such as ruptured blood vessels and infections.

The scandal eventually came to light in November 2024 after being exposed by a lawmaker.

On July 19, Chou admitted to enlisting senior students with no medical or nursing credentials to help draw blood from members of her team.

Making a deep bow at a media conference, the 61-year-old, dubbed “vampire coach” by Taiwanese media, apologized and said: “I have let you down in my duty as coach, and I hope that you will forgive me.”