FORMER Everton star Li Tie has been sentenced to life in prison after confessing to paying bribes and match-fixing, according to reports in China.
The bribing charges relate to Li's reign as China manager between 2019-21.
The Chinese public prosecutor accused Li of "accepting and offering bribes" during their crackdown on corruption in football.
And he has now been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the scandal, reports China-based author Mark Dreyer.
Li, 46, confessed to paying £330,000 in bribes to become manager of the Chinese national team.
He also admitted to playing a role in a match-fixing scandal to win promotions while in charge of Hebei China Fortuna and Wuhan Zall.
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Li said in a statement: "I'm very sorry. I should have kept my head to the ground and followed the right path. There were certain things that at the time were common practices in football.
"By gaining 'success' through such improper means, it actually made me more and more impatient and eager for quick results.
"In order to achieve good performance, I resorted to influencing referees, bribing opposing players and coaches, sometimes through clubs dealing with other clubs.
"This behaviour becomes a habit, and eventually, there is even a slight dependence on these practices."
Li played for Everton between 2002-2006 and initially made 33 appearances on loan at the Toffees.
He made a further seven appearances after the club made his stay permanent in 2003, before leaving to join Sheffield United.