Former Everton midfielder Li Tie has been handed a 20-year prison sentence on corruption charges, Chinese state media has reported.
The 47-year-old, who represented China in their sole World Cup appearance in 2002, was found guilty of accepting and giving bribes, as well as match-fixing offences.
The charges relate to activities between 2015 and 2021, during which time Li served as both a club manager and head coach of China’s national team.
According to court documents, Li accepted bribes totalling more than $16million (£12.7m) during his six-year period of corruption.
The former midfielder was found to have accepted payments in exchange for favouring certain players for selection.
Former Everton midfielder Li Tie (third on the right) has been handed a 20-year prison sentence on corruption charges
PA
He was also involved in match-fixing activities during his time as both a club manager and national team coach.
The verdict comes as part of a broader investigation into corruption within Chinese football.
In a documentary aired on Chinese state television CCTV earlier this year, Li expressed remorse for his actions.
Lie Tie pictured playing against Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at Everton
PA
“I’m very sorry,” he said. “I should have kept my head to the ground and followed the right path.”
The former midfielder attempted to contextualise his actions, stating: “There were certain things that at the time were common practices in football.”
Li began his Premier League career with Everton on loan following impressive performances during China’s 2002 World Cup campaign.
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He made 33 appearances across all competitions in his first season, helping the Toffees secure a seventh-place finish under David Moyes.
The midfielder later signed permanently for the club, but injuries hampered his subsequent seasons.
After leaving Everton, Li joined Sheffield United in 2006 but managed just one competitive appearance before returning to China in 2008.
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Li’s sentencing is part of a wider crackdown on corruption in Chinese football.
More than a dozen coaches and players have been investigated as part of the anti-corruption drive.
Li Tie had spells with Everton and Sheffield United during his time in England
PA
The case follows the even harsher punishment handed to former Chinese Football Association boss Chen Xuyuan.
Chen received a life sentence after being found guilty of accepting bribes.
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