Former Everton midfielder is pictured confessing to corruption and match-fixing on Chinese TV - in an admission that led to him 'being sentenced to LIFE in prison' over £300,000 bribes

A former Everton midfielder has been pictured confessing to corruption and match-fixing on Chinese TV. Li Tie has been pictured confessing to corruption and match-fixing on Chinese TV The former Everton player has reportedly been sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting to paying bribes and fixing matches The China-based journalist and author Mark Dreyer said Li had been sentenced to life in prison Li said: 'I'm very sorry. Li played 33 matches for Everton while on loan from Chinese club Liaoning during the 2002-03 season and played seven games the following season after signing permanently. Former Everton player Li Tie has been sentenced to LIFE in prison in China, relating to corruption charges 🚨 pic.twitter.com/MyOeH1Trk9 — Mail Sport February 23, 2024 In his TV confession, Li Tie said: 'I resorted to influencing referees, bribing opposing players and coaches' Li served as head coach of the Chinese national team between 2019 and 2021 - and admitted to paying bribes of £330,000 to reach that position Li, 46, finished his career in China and served as manager of their national team between 2019 and 2021. He played alongside Wayne Rooney, as pictured in 2002, and had a successful first season at Everton in 2002-03 before breaking his leg After coaching at club level, he acted as caretaker coach of the China national team after Marcello Lippi resigned in 2019 and was then appointed permanently.