Li, who was an iconic figure in Chinese football as both a player and coach, becomes the most prominent name in a series of investigations involving senior officials from the Chinese Football Association (CFA) and the Chinese Super League (CSL). According to the court, Li’s case is representative of a broader government effort to combat corruption in sports and other key areas, as part of the anti-corruption campaign promoted by the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Li Tie, 46, is considered a football legend in China. During his career as a defensive midfielder, he played 92 games for the national team, scored five goals and was a key player in China’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup, the only one in the country’s history. His time at Everton in the Premier League made him an international reference, although injuries limited his career. After a brief spell at Sheffield United, he returned to China in 2008, where he retired as a player.
In 2020, Li was named coach of the men’s national team, but his tenure was surrounded by controversy. Under his leadership, China failed in its attempt to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which generated harsh criticism for its strategy and the exclusion of nationalized players such as Brazilian Elkeson. In December 2021, he stepped down amid growing dissatisfaction from fans and the media.
In November 2022, authorities announced that Li was under investigation for “serious violations of the law,” beginning a process that quickly expanded to involve other top Chinese soccer executives. This case highlights the extent of irregularities in tournament management, referee hiring and league administration.
A purge within Chinese football
Li Tie’s conviction is not an isolated case. Other prominent names have faced similar sentences in recent months. Liu Yi, former general secretary of the CFA, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for accepting bribes valued at almost half a million dollars. Tan Hai, former director of the Referee Management Department, received a six-and-a-half-year sentence. In addition, figures such as former CSL president Ma Chengquan and former CFA vice president Li Yuyi have also been sentenced for corruption-related crimes.
Chinese authorities have made it clear that this purge is part of a systematic effort to restore credibility in football. The General Administration for Sports has promised transparency and control measures to ensure that these cases are not repeated, recognizing the damage caused to public trust and sports institutions.
Li Tie’s case marks a turning point in the fight against corruption in Chinese football. The forcefulness of the sentences reflects the government’s determination not to tolerate irregularities, regardless of the profile of those involved. This approach could set a precedent for other sectors in China, reinforcing the CCP’s message about the importance of ethics and law enforcement.
While Li Tie still has the chance to appeal, his case symbolizes the collapse of a figure who once represented the hope of Chinese football. Now, with the sport’s foundations under scrutiny, the path to recovery will depend on the system’s ability to implement real reforms and restore confidence in its institutions.
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