The Chinese FA announced that the 44-year-old former Everton player has resigned and was replaced by Li Xiaopeng, the former manager of Wuhan FC of the Super League.
According to the CFA, Li Xiaopeng was hired “after extensive consultations” and was largely expected to take over.
The CFA “decided to accept Li Tie’s request” to step down as head coach of the Chinese men’s national football team, according to a statement. Li Tie made this request recently.
Over the past week, there have been rumors in Chinese media that Li Tie, who was named head coach at the end of 2019 following Marcello Lippi’s departure, was about to retire.
He had drawn criticism for frequently posting commercial advertisements on his social media profiles. Fans were incensed about on-field performances as well.
One day, China hopes to host and perhaps win the World Cup, according to President Xi Jinping.
However, they are ranked fifth out of six teams in their World Cup qualifying group for the next year; only the top two teams will advance.
One social media user summed up the general and enduring hopelessness of supporters on Friday on the Weibo platform, which is similar to Twitter, writing, “Even hiring Jesus won’t save the national football team!”
Following what ended up being his final game in charge, a 1-1 tie with Australia in November, Li Tie was vocal. The UAE hosted the qualification due to China’s stringent regulations against coronavirus admission.
Li’s defense of his team, which had been isolated from the outside world for weeks due to a sickness, only infuriated fans and the media more.
He said during a press conference after the game, “You guys did not go through that and don’t know how tough and cruel it is for the players and the staff members,” according to state media.
“I spend more time in football than any of you,” Li continued.
In their next qualifier, which takes place on January 27, China, ranked 74th in FIFA, will play Japan.
Prior until recently, the Chinese Super League was known for lavishly spending money on players like Carlos Tevez, Oscar, and Hulk, but the funding has abruptly dried up.
The owners of Jiangsu FC, the current CSL champions, decided to dissolve the franchise earlier this year.
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