Ex-China Soccer Coach Li Tie Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Faces Uncertain Sentence

Li Tie Pleads Guilty to Bribery Charges

Li Tie, the former head coach of China's national men's soccer team, pleaded guilty to bribery-related charges at the Xianning Intermediate People's Court in Hubei province on Thursday.

Prosecutors alleged that between 2019 and 2021, Li abused his position as head coach and head of the national team selection panel to seek benefits for individuals and departments in matters such as player selection and match-fixing. In return, he accepted bribes totaling 50.89 million yuan ($7 million).

The indictment further details Li's alleged actions. In 2019, he sought assistance in securing the head coach position for the national team and subsequently paid those who helped him 1 million yuan in 2020. During his tenure at Wuhan Zall Football Club in 2019, Li allegedly offered bribes of 2 million yuan through the club to individuals who facilitated his appointment as head of the selection panel and helped improve the club's influence.

Prosecutors also claim that from 2017 to 2019, while serving as general manager and head coach of the Wuhan club, Li provided assistance to Hebei China Fortune Football Club, his previous employer, in player transfers and match-fixing, accepting 26.75 million yuan in return. Additionally, between 2015 and 2019, Li allegedly solicited cooperation from other soccer clubs in match-fixing, offering bribes exceeding 39 million yuan through his clubs.

During the trial, Li and his lawyers presented their views on the indictment, and Li confessed to the offenses. The court will announce the sentencing at a later date.

Li, 46, a native of Shenyang, Liaoning province, was a former professional soccer player. After retiring in 2012, he transitioned to coaching. The investigation against him commenced in 2022.