Zhang graduated from Beijing International Studies University in 1975 and joined the National Athletic Committee and worked in the foreign affairs department.

[4] FIFA suspended Bin Hammam for life on 23 July 2011, due to bribery allegations, and he was officially dismissed as head of the Asian Football Confederation.

In September 2012, due to his age, Zhang retired from his role as foreign affairs director at the State Sports General Administration, but continued to preside over the AFC in his capacity as Acting Chairman.

Zhang asserted that "FIFA should not interfere with the internal affairs of the Asia Football association" and asked Blatter to take back the new rule.

As a result, the Chinese football team achieved a "lucky draw" and was seeded with the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Qatar, and Oman.