Tag Archives: Marcello Lippi

Football

CHINESE FOOTBALL CORRUPTION REPORT

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Detention of ex-Everton Star Li Tie Sparks Biggest Government Crackdown in a Decade

by a SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

China Sports Insider is delighted to publish the following contribution from a special correspondent, who wishes to remain anonymous. All details contained in this article have been translated from Chinese-language reports published on well-known Chinese websites, including official announcements on people detained for investigation etc.

PART 1 – The Online Sacrifice of a Greedy Icon

Like all good football corruption enquiries, the shocking criminal investigations playing out this winter in China started with complete silence. Early last November, one of the biggest stars in Chinese football disappeared. From a training session. According to reports, he told the other participants that he was going to “take some pictures”. He probably added, “I may be some time”.

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Column, Football

Lippi cashes in on China’s Mission Impossible

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It clearly takes a lot to tempt Italian coaching legend Marcello Lippi out of retirement for one last job, but fortunately for him there are some very deep pockets in China.

While Lippi will be officially announced as the new coach of China’s national soccer team on Friday, reports have revealed that he and his team – of whom former Everton star Li Tie will be a part – will collect 20 million euros annually over an initial two-year term.

Given China’s precarious state in the final round of AFC qualifying – bottom of Group A after four games – it’s less like a final throw of the dice than a refusal to accept that the die has already been cast.

In the video below, China Sports Insider’s Mark Dreyer discusses the Lippi hiring on CCTV News, with Yan Qiang, Tian Wei and Simon Pusey: Continue reading Lippi cashes in on China’s Mission Impossible →

Football

Football Focus: China enters Copa America, Li Tie returns to Everton

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Lots of soccer news at the moment…

As per the excellent Wild East Football, China has accepted an invitation into the 2015 Copa America in Chile, as one of Conmebol’s two regular guest slots. No one will be expecting much from the Chinese, but competing at this level can only help the country’s quest to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Chinese players prepare to face Iraq in their Asian Cup qualifier on March 5
Chinese players prepare to face Iraq in their Asian Cup qualifier on March 5

Continue reading Football Focus: China enters Copa America, Li Tie returns to Everton →

Football

UPDATED: China stands on verge of Asian Cup abyss

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[UPDATE: It’s not disaster for China just yet, but things most definitely did not go their way this evening. Having tied Saudi Arabia 0-0 in Xian, news came through that Iraq had won 2-0 in Indonesia, so Iraq is now two points behind China for the final qualifying berth in their group with one game to play. That game? Iraq vs China, to be played in Dubai on March 5, is now winner takes all, though China would of course qualify if it was a draw.

Continue reading UPDATED: China stands on verge of Asian Cup abyss →