Former Everton midfielder Li Tie has been sentenced to 20 years in jail on corruption charges.
The 47-year-old, who starred for his country in their only World Cup appearance in 2002, confessed to giving and receiving bribes and fixing matches between 2015 and 2021, according to Chinese state media.
The verdict comes amid a crackdown on corruption in Chinese football, with more than a dozen coaches and players investigated.
After retiring as a player in 2011, Li transitioned into coaching, taking up his first managerial role with Hebei China Fortune in 2015. He later became head coach of the Chinese national team, initially as caretaker before being appointed permanently.
The court found that between 2015 and 2021, Li accepted bribes worth over $16 million (£12.7 million). These bribes were allegedly given to influence player selection and match outcomes.
In a documentary aired on state media channel CCTV earlier this year, Li apologised for his involvement in the scandal. He expressed remorse and acknowledged that certain practices were common in football at the time.
The news follows the life sentence handed to former Chinese Football Association boss Chen Xuyuan for corruption.
Li’s career began in China with Liaoning, before a loan move to Everton in the Premier League. He impressed during their 2002 World Cup campaign, which led to the move.
In his first season at Everton, Li made 33 appearances and helped the team finish seventh in the Premier League under David Moyes.
The move was later made permanent, but injuries hampered his subsequent seasons. He subsequently joined Sheffield United before returning to China in 2008.
