TAIPEI (TVBS News) — National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU, 國立臺灣師範大學), one of Taiwan's premier educational institutions, announced Friday (July 18) its full commitment to cooperate with an ongoing criminal investigation. University administrators stated that key personnel, including research project leaders and administrative staff, would actively participate in the investigative process while ensuring the preservation of all relevant research data and biological samples in accordance with legal requirements.
The investigation centers on serious allegations against NTNU women's soccer coach Chou Tai-ying (周台英), who stands accused of forcing players to provide blood samples by threatening to withhold their academic credits. Taipei prosecutors escalated the case on Wednesday by formally opening a criminal investigation into alleged coercion, a development that has triggered swift responses from both law enforcement and university officials.
The Taipei District Prosecutors Office (台北地檢署) took decisive action on Tuesday when officials were sent to the university campus to confiscate blood samples previously collected from members of the women's soccer team. Authorities have issued strict directives requiring NTNU to secure all documentation, electronic records, and biological samples connected to the controversial research project, explicitly prohibiting any destruction, concealment, deletion, or disposal of potential evidence.
University officials have issued another formal apology for the distress and public concern generated by the scandal, acknowledging the impact on students and the broader community. NTNU has announced the creation of a dedicated point of contact specifically for affected members of the women's soccer team, where students can voice their concerns, request psychological counseling services, and receive guidance regarding the protection of their legal rights throughout the investigation. ◼
