Former player participated in a scheme that generated approximately R$93 million in bribes.
One of the best-known names in Asian football had his 20-year prison sentence upheld by a higher court in China. Accused of involvement in a corruption scheme that shook the country’s sporting structures, former player Li Tie – who played for Everton in the Premier League and also coached the Chinese National Team – had his appeal denied by the judicial authorities.
As a result, the People’s Court of Hubei Province upheld the decision made in December 2024. The court found that, between 2015 and 2021, Li Tie actively participated in a scheme that generated approximately US$16.5 million – approximately R$93 million – in bribes. The money was allegedly used to manipulate call-ups, facilitate signings and influence the outcome of competitions.
According to the investigation, the defendant’s actions were not limited to the field. During his time as an assistant coach for Hebei China Fortune, and later as head coach of the national team, he allegedly orchestrated entire backroom deals to favor directors, clubs and businessmen.
The authorities considered the confession to be an aggravating factor, not an extenuating one. The trial is part of a broader offensive by the Chinese government to combat corruption in football – a practice that has been considered systemic in the country for decades. The sentence was not an isolated case. In 2024, several high-ranking figures from the Chinese football scene were also convicted. Former president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), Chen Xuyuan, for example, was sentenced to life in prison. Other directors such as Yu Hongchen, Chen Yongliang and Dong Zheng also received long sentences.
