Former Chinese footballer and coach, Li Tie, who once played in the English Premier League for Everton, has been handed a 20-year prison sentence by a court in China. The Xianning Intermediate People’s Court in Hubei Province found him guilty of serious corruption offenses, including accepting and giving bribes. According to the court, Li took over 120 million yuan (around $16.5 million) in bribes during his career, particularly between 2015 and 2021.
Li’s fall from grace is tied to his time as the head coach of China’s national football team between 2020 and 2021. Investigations revealed he misused his position to influence player selections and match results in exchange for financial rewards. He also admitted to offering bribes to secure his position as the national team coach, further deepening his involvement in unethical practices.
The investigation into Li’s actions began in late 2022, and by March 2024, he confessed to the charges. His case forms part of a wider anti-corruption crackdown within Chinese football, spearheaded by President Xi Jinping. This campaign aims to clean up the sport and restore its credibility in the country. Other high-profile figures have also faced severe punishments, including former Chinese Football Association (CFA) president Chen Xuyuan, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for taking bribes worth over 81 million yuan (around $11.3 million).
Li’s career was once celebrated. He earned 92 caps for the Chinese national team and was part of the squad that made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in 2002. His professional journey took him abroad to play for Premier League sides Everton and Sheffield United, making him one of China’s football icons.
Now, however, his legacy is overshadowed by his conviction, highlighting the depths of corruption that plagued Chinese football. The government’s efforts to tackle these issues signal a new era for the sport, with hopes of building a cleaner and more competitive football system in China.
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