In brief
Li Tie, ex-coach of the Chinese national men’s football team, was sentenced to two decades in prison after pleading guilty to match-fixing and accepting bribes. The Chinese authorities continue to crack down on corruption, leading to the jailing of multiple football officials and players. Li's misconduct included taking over $16 million in bribes between 2015 and 2021, allowing him to influence team selections and facilitate wins for clubs. His case reflects a larger trend in sports under President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption initiatives. Li, who has a history with Everton in the English Premier League, expressed regret for his actions through a state media documentary earlier this year. The ongoing investigation has resulted in significant consequences for China's aspirations in international football.
