Li Tie, the former Premier League footballer and ex-teammate of Wayne Rooney, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in a corruption scandal in Chinese football.
What Happened?
Li, aged 47, was part of an extensive investigation into bribery within Chinese football. The ex-Everton midfielder pleaded guilty to corruption charges when he appeared in court in March.
The charges stem from his time managing clubs such as Hebei China Fortune, Wuhan Zall, and the Chinese national team between 2015 and 2021. He is accused of accepting and offering bribes totaling 120 million yuan (£13m/$16m) in exchange for influencing match results and player selections.
The Bigger Picture
Li’s actions were part of a broader anti-corruption crackdown launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who vowed to tackle corruption in football. Other officials involved in the scandal, including the former head of the Chinese Football Association, Chen Xuyuan, have also faced significant sentences.
Li, who played alongside a young Wayne Rooney at Everton, admitted his wrongdoings and expressed remorse, stating: "When I was a player, I despised people who fixed matches the most. Achieving success through improper means made me short-sighted and eager for quick results."
What Li Tie Said
Li reflected on his actions, acknowledging that what began as a habit became a damaging reliance. He said, "It became a habit, and eventually, I even started to rely on it."
What’s Next?
Li Tie, who made 33 appearances for Everton and won 92 caps for China, is now serving his sentence. His case highlights the ongoing battle against corruption in Chinese football, which has also seen 120 fixed matches involving 41 clubs investigated.
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