Former Everton player sentenced to 20 years in prison!

Former Everton midfielder and ex-China national team head coach Li Tie, 47, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison on charges of widespread corruption, bribery, and match-fixing.

Details: Investigators established that between 2015 and 2021, Li Tie gave and received bribes totaling more than 120 million yuan (around $16.5 million or £13 million). The funds were used to arrange fixed matches in the Chinese Super League, exert pressure to secure desired transfers, and pay 3 million yuan to Chinese Football Association (CFA) officials to secure his appointment as national team head coach.

In a documentary aired by state broadcaster CCTV, Li Tie publicly admitted his guilt:

"I am very sorry. I should have kept my head down and followed the right path. At that time, certain things were considered common practice in football."

The trial marks the most high-profile case in a sweeping anti-corruption crackdown targeting Chinese sports. Former CFA chief Chen Xuyuan was previously sentenced to life imprisonment. Li Tie attempted to appeal the ruling to a higher court, but the Hubei Provincial Higher People's Court dismissed the appeal and upheld the 20-year prison sentence.

Read also: Jordan Pickford has joined the 100 club!