Former National Coach Li Tie Sentenced to 20 Years for Corruption
In a significant development in Chinese football, former national coach Li Tie has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for corruption. The Xianning court found the 47-year-old guilty of both paying and accepting bribes, marking a notable case in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign spearheaded by President Xi Jinping. This campaign aims to restore integrity within the sport and elevate China's status in the global football arena. Li Tie, who previously played for Everton FC and Sheffield United, was implicated in match-fixing scandals during his coaching career, particularly while managing Hebei China Fortune. His conviction adds to a growing list of high-profile figures in Chinese football facing legal repercussions as part of this extensive crackdown.
Former Mayor of Argenteuil Receives Suspended Sentence for Embezzlement
In France, Philippe Doucet, the former mayor of Argenteuil, has been handed a one-year suspended prison sentence for embezzlement of public funds. The Paris Criminal Court's ruling comes after an investigation that began in 2016, revealing irregularities in the management of human resources during Doucet's tenure from 2008 to 2014. He was also sentenced to two years of ineligibility and ordered to pay €45,000 in damages to the municipality. The court found that Doucet had exploited two reimbursement systems for his representation expenses, leading to his conviction and highlighting issues of accountability in public office.
