Former Chinese national football team coach and ex-Everton midfielder Li Tie has lost his appeal against a 20-year prison sentence for bribery, as confirmed by China's Hubei Provincial Higher People's Court.

Li, 47, was convicted in December 2024 by the Xianning Intermediate People's Court for giving and receiving bribes totaling approximately 120 million yuan (about $16.5 million) between 2015 and 2021. The court found that he accepted bribes to influence player selections for the national team and to assist clubs in winning matches and securing signings.

In March 2024, Li pleaded guilty to the charges and publicly apologized in a state-broadcast documentary, acknowledging that some of his actions were considered common practice in football at the time.

Li's case is part of a broader anti-corruption campaign in Chinese football, which has led to the investigation and sentencing of several high-ranking officials. Notably, former Chinese Football Association president Chen Xuyuan was sentenced to life in prison earlier in 2024 for accepting bribes worth $11 million.

Li Tie, who earned 92 caps for China and played in the 2002 World Cup, served as the national team's head coach from 2019 until his resignation in 2021. ​