China's Football Scandal: Ex-Coach Sentenced for Bribery

Li Tie's recent sentencing highlights the ongoing corruption crisis in Chinese football, reflecting the government's stringent anti-graft measures.

Li Tie, the former head coach of China's national men's football team, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in a widespread bribery scandal, according to state media reports. The ex-professional player, who previously competed for Everton in the English Premier League, admitted earlier this year to his role in fixing matches, accepting bribes, and offering inducements for his high-profile coaching position.

This case underscores how President Xi Jinping's persistent fight against corruption has extended into various sectors, including sports, banking, and the military. Just days ago, three other former officials from the Chinese Football Association (CFA) were sentenced for similar offenses, reflecting a larger pattern of investigations targeting numerous coaches and players in the football community.

Li, who served as the national team's coach from January 2020 to December 2021, pleaded guilty in March to receiving over $16 million in bribes. This activity spanned from 2015, while he was an assistant coach at Hebei China Fortune Club, to his resignation as the national coach in 2021. His actions included selecting certain individuals for the national team and influencing outcomes in football competitions in exchange for money.

In an anti-corruption documentary released by the state broadcaster CCTV earlier this year, Li expressed remorse for his actions, stating, "I'm very sorry. I should have kept my head to the ground and followed the right path." He apologized for engaging in practices that he claimed were commonplace in football at the time.

Throughout his career, Li made 92 appearances for the Chinese national team and was part of the squad during their solitary World Cup appearance in 2002. His former superior, Chen Xuyuan, the ex-CFA president, also received a life sentence earlier this year for allegedly accepting $11 million in bribes.

Xi Jinping has previously expressed a desire to elevate China's status in international football, with hopes to return to the World Cup, host the tournament, and ultimately clinch the title. However, the recent detentions and convictions of key football figures, including some originally tasked with revamping the sport, further complicate the nation's football ambitions.

The current anti-corruption initiative is reminiscent of a previous crackdown in 2010 when numerous officials, national team players, and referees faced imprisonment for corrupt practices—an effort spearheaded by Xi, who was serving as vice president at the time. Rowan Simons, author of "Bamboo Goalposts," noted that while the current campaign mirrors past efforts, it is compounded by the influx of money in the sport.