China has sentenced former Premier League star and national football coach Li Tie to 20 years in prison for corruption. This shocking conviction comes as part of President Xi Jinping’s aggressive campaign to root out corruption in the country’s sports industry.
Li, once a celebrated figure in Chinese football, fell from grace after being accused of multiple bribery offenses, including using his position as a coach to amass millions in illegal payments.
The 47-year-old, who played for English club Everton and earned nearly 100 international caps, was found guilty of receiving 51 million yuan (approximately $7 million) in bribes. These were reportedly linked to player selections for the national team and assistance in club transfers.
“Common Practices in Football”
Li’s sentencing follows a lengthy trial in Hubei province, where the court detailed his involvement in various schemes. Among the most damning accusations was his payment of one million yuan in bribes to secure his appointment as China’s national coach in 2019.
The disgraced coach admitted to his wrongdoing during a televised confession aired earlier this year. In the broadcast, Li expressed regret, saying, “I’m very sorry. I should have kept my head to the ground and followed the right path. There were certain things that at the time were common practices in football.”
This public admission of guilt, along with evidence of his participation in fixing matches and facilitating corrupt deals, sealed his fate.
A Wider Sports Scandal
Li’s case is the most high-profile conviction to date in a sweeping investigation into Chinese football corruption. It follows similar sentences handed down to other prominent figures in the sport.
On the same day Li’s verdict was announced, former deputy head of the General Administration of Sport, Du Zhaocai, was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Du, a senior figure in the Chinese Football Association (CFA), was found guilty of accepting over 43 million yuan in bribes.
Earlier in the week, Liu Yi, the CFA’s former secretary-general, received an 11-year sentence, while another official, Tan Hai, was jailed for six and a half years. These convictions highlight a pattern of bribery and abuse of power that has plagued the sport.
A Broken Dream
President Xi, a self-proclaimed football fan, has long envisioned transforming China into a global football powerhouse capable of hosting and winning the FIFA World Cup. However, the national team’s struggles on the pitch mirror the turmoil off it.
Currently ranked 90th by FIFA, China sits just above the Caribbean nation of Curaçao. These poor results have intensified calls for reform and transparency in the country’s football governance.
Critics argue that while Xi’s corruption crackdown might clean up governance, it also serves as a tool to eliminate political opponents. The Chinese legal system’s near-100% conviction rate has raised questions about the fairness of trials and the use of televised confessions.
The Public’s Reaction
News of Li’s sentencing has sparked mixed reactions in China. Some view the harsh punishment as a necessary step to cleanse the sport, while others lament the loss of one of the nation’s most iconic football figures.
A photograph released by state broadcaster CCTV showed Li in court, wearing a black hooded sweater and flanked by two police officers. It served as a stark reminder of how far the once-revered star had fallen.
Corruption’s Grip on Chinese Football
The convictions reflect deeper issues within Chinese football. Over the years, corruption has infiltrated the system, with officials and clubs engaging in match-fixing, bribery, and illicit transfers. These practices have hindered the sport’s growth and tarnished its reputation.
For Li, who was once the face of hope for Chinese football, his downfall marks the end of an era. His story is now a cautionary tale of how greed can destroy even the brightest careers.
As Xi’s crackdown continues, many wonder if these reforms will finally set Chinese football on the path to recovery—or if the sport will remain mired in controversy.
