Beijing News Express disclosed that a number of informed sources in the soccer industry have revealed that Li Tie, a heavyweight in the soccer industry, is undergoing an in-depth investigation and has implicated three former international players. Among them, former international footballer Zhang Lu was formally controlled, while Li Tie is suspected of participating in the fake gambling blackout of Wuhan Tianhai team in the 2019 Chinese Super League relegation battle; two undisclosed players, one of them is a villager from Shenyang, Li Tie's hometown, who had played alongside Zhang Lu in the Quanjian team and then moved to Shenzhen; and the other one is a quite powerful international-level side defender.
Recall that on November 26, the official website of the Hubei Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision announced that Li Tie, the former head coach of China's men's national soccer team, was undergoing a dual investigation by the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Group of the Central Sports Administration and the Hubei Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection on suspicion of a serious violation of discipline. Li Tie was taken away after news that he has a huge business portfolio with cash reserves amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Huasheng special commentator Shangguan Dong pointed out that Li Tie's arrest at this time may be a sign that the top management is once again trying to rectify the national soccer team. As an important window to show the power of the country, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, from the field turf to soccer, from jerseys to peripheral merchandise, from the stadium facilities to public transportation, and then many Chinese brand advertising, all of which highlights the power of China. However, the national soccer team was missing from such a grand international event. This is undoubtedly a major loss for China's national image.
Is Li Tie's arrest a random case or a trigger for the anger of the top brass?
There is a lot of suspense, so let's all look forward to the truth being revealed.
