On March 28, the Intermediate People's Court of Xianning City, Hubei Province, held an open trial of Li Tie, the former head coach of the Chinese national men's football team, for accepting bribes, offering bribes from units, accepting bribes from non-state functionaries, and offering bribes to non-state functionaries. The procuratorate accused Li Tie of taking advantage of his position to help others in matters such as players being selected for the national team, winning competitions, and signing clubs, and accepting a total of more than 50.89 million yuan from others.
Specifically, from 2019 to 2021, Li Tie took advantage of his position as the head coach of the men's national football selection team and the head coach of the men's national football team to provide assistance to relevant units and individuals, involving a total of more than 50.89 million yuan. This includes helping players to be selected for the national team, helping relevant units and individuals win matches, helping players sign clubs, etc.
In addition, the procuratorate also accused Li Tie of paying a bribe of 1 million yuan to the leaders of the Football Association in order to be elected head coach of the men's national football team. At the same time, during Li Tie's tenure as Wuhan Zall Professional Football Club Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Zall Club), in order to seek the position of head coach of the men's national football selection team and improve the influence of Zall Club, he agreed with the person in charge of the club to ask others to provide help, and Zall Club gave others 2 million yuan.
The fact of bribery involved in these accusations made Li Tie face charges not only for accepting bribes, but also for offering bribes and offering bribes by units. In addition, there are allegations of bribery and bribery of non-state functionaries, which relate to Li Tie's business activities at club level.
The Xianning Municipal People's Procuratorate's accusation against Li Tie covers his multiple identities and responsibilities in the field of football, highlighting the complexity and seriousness of corruption in the field of football. The trial of Li Tie's case is not only an investigation of his personal legal responsibility, but also a profound exposure of corruption in the field of football.
During the trial, Li Tie and his defender appeared in court and cross-examined the evidence provided by the procuratorate. This process is an important procedure for the law to protect the rights and interests of the defendant, allowing the defendant to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution, and at the same time providing the defendant with the opportunity to present his or her own views.
According to reports, Li Tie's condition during the trial was relatively stable, which may have benefited from the thorough preparation and legal support of his defense lawyers. Despite facing serious charges of bribery and bribery, Li Tie's performance in court did not show excessive nervousness or anxiety.
In the final stage of the trial, Li Tie made a final statement and pleaded guilty and repented in court. This move may reflect Li Tie's recognition and remorse for the mistakes he has made, and also shows his acceptance of legal judgments.
Li Tie's confession of guilt may provide conditions for him to receive a lighter punishment under the law, and on the other hand, it also expresses his awareness of corruption in the field of football and his reflection on the future. In any case, the outcome of Li Tie's case will have a profound impact on the football field, not only as a punishment for individuals, but also as a reshaping of the entire industry's concept of ethics and the rule of law.
The trial of Li Tie's case has revealed the tip of the iceberg of corruption in the football field, and has made people demand higher requirements for the management and governance of the football industry. The trial and judgment of the case will have a far-reaching impact on the football field, and it is expected that Chinese football can usher in a clearer development environment after this storm.