Outrage in China: Fans Demand Execution for Ex-Coach Li Tie Over Corruption Scandal

China’s football community is in uproar as former national team coach Li Tie receives a 20-year prison sentence for corruption. Convicted of accepting bribes totaling 66 million yuan, Li's actions have been branded a betrayal of Chinese football. However, the public outcry suggests that this punishment is far from sufficient. Fans are demanding the ultimate penalty: execution.

One enraged fan declared, 'A 20-year sentence is a joke! Li Tie’s greed and corruption have poisoned Chinese football beyond repair.' Another added, 'This man’s actions don’t deserve forgiveness. He should face the harshest punishment possible.' These fiery reactions reflect the depth of frustration among Chinese football supporters, who feel their sport has been marred by years of unchecked corruption.

Li Tie, once a celebrated figure in Chinese football, has fallen spectacularly from grace. As a player, he earned 92 caps for China and represented his country on the world stage. He was even likened to South Korea's Park Ji-sung during his Premier League stint with Everton from 2002 to 2006. His transition to coaching initially promised much, but his tenure as national team head coach from 2020 unraveled amidst allegations of misconduct.

The court’s ruling highlighted 'serious violations that undermined the integrity of the sport.' Despite the significant prison term, the public’s anger underscores a desire for even harsher consequences. Li’s case has reignited calls for a deep cleanup of Chinese football, with demands for stricter oversight and accountability at all levels.

As fans vent their fury, many see this as a pivotal moment for Chinese football’s future. Whether Li Tie’s punishment will serve as a deterrent or spark further controversy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the people are demanding nothing less than absolute justice.