Former Everton player sentenced to life for match-fixing

Li Tie, a former Everton football player and manager of the China national team, has been handed a life sentence for involvement in corruption scandals back in his home country of China.

The verdict came after a televised confession aired on Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, where Li admitted to paying approximately £330,000 in bribes to secure his position as the manager of the national football team. Additionally, he confessed to being part of match-fixing schemes aimed at securing promotions for club teams he was associated with in China.

The Chinese public prosecutor had accused Li Tie of “accepting and offering bribes,” leading to a thorough investigation and subsequent legal action against him.

This development follows Li’s departure from his role as manager of the China national team, a position he held from 2019 to 2021. The 46-year-old, who also had a stint at Sheffield United during his playing career, had previously made 40 appearances across various competitions for Everton during his time in the Premier League from 2002 to 2006.

Now facing a life behind bars, Li Tie’s sentencing comes amidst a broader crackdown on corruption within the realm of football in China.