### Former Premier League Player Sentenced to Two Decades Behind Bars
A former Chinese soccer player, who once showcased his skills in the Premier League with Everton, has been handed a 20-year prison sentence for engaging in match-fixing activities.
Li Tie, who led China’s national team as a coach, confessed in March to receiving over $16 million in illegal payments. According to a report by [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0kvxyj6y13o), Li admitted to both receiving and giving out bribes.
The judiciary highlighted that his criminal actions took place during his tenure as an assistant coach at Hebei China Fortune Club. This club, formerly part of the Chinese Super League, ceased operations last year. Li was part of the club from 2015 until 2021 before resigning as the national coach.
Li’s unethical practices included accepting payments for selecting players for the national squad and aiding specific teams to triumph in tournaments.
During his time as a player, Li earned 92 caps for the Chinese national team and participated in the 2002 World Cup. Initially joining Everton on a temporary loan in 2002, he completed a permanent transfer the following year. He played in 40 matches with Everton and had a short stint at Sheffield United before heading back to China.
### Norsk Tipping Allocates Significant Funds to Sports Bodies
In uplifting sports news, the [Norwegian Gambling Authority disclosed](https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/930-millioner-kroner-til-norges-idrettsforbund-for-2025/id3078949/) that Norsk Tipping has allocated NOK930 million to various sports organizations in Norway.
A major share of the funds is directed towards the Norwegian Sports Federation and the Olympic and Paralympic Committee (NIF), with the total amount exceeding last year’s budget by NOK60 million.
This financial support aids NIF’s initiatives focused on sports inclusion within Norway, especially targeting children, youth, and individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, NOK11 million is set aside for Tverga, a Norwegian center specializing in self-organized sports.
### Veikkaus Renews Its Pact with Finnish Ice Hockey Association
Continuing its presence in the Nordic region, Veikkaus has extended its collaboration with the Finnish Ice Hockey Association in a renewed contract extending to 2030.
This extended agreement, [as announced by Veikkaus](https://www.veikkaus.fi/fi/yritys#!/article/tiedotteet/yritys/2024/12122024-jaakiekkoliitto_english), supports various activities and projects undertaken with the Association over the years.
The long-term partnership encompasses the Finnish men’s and women’s national teams, the under-20 national team, and the Aurora League.
Reija Laaksonen, Veikkaus’s EVP for people, culture, and communications, emphasized, “We cherish our long and fruitful association with Finnish ice hockey and are excited to sustain this journey in the coming years.”
### The Pools Strengthens Leadership with New Key Appointments
In the UK, The Pools is undergoing a structural transformation by appointing two senior executives. Chris Williams steps in as head of product, while Matt Knowles assumes the role of head of CRM.
Williams enters the role with a decade’s experience in sports betting, having worked with SIS Betting, Sky Betting & Gaming, and LiveScore Group.
Knowles, another seasoned professional, has spent time with BV Group, Betfair, Gamesys, and his most recent tenure at Betway Group, where he spearheaded global projects to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.
Recently, The Pools also brought in Sharon Wright as marketing director and Phillip Donegan as the chief technology officer.
### Zeal Commemorates 25 Years of Success
Lastly, this week marked a significant milestone for Zeal Network, [celebrating 25 years since inception](https://www.zealnetwork.de/news-details/?id=d5de48f7-8d18-46bd-91cb-5b0cb6fbed1d).
Established in 1999 under the name Tipp24, the company pioneered online lottery sales in Germany. After rebranding to Zeal Network following an IPO in 2005, it expanded significantly in 2019 with the acquisition of Lotto24.
Now based in Hamburg, Zeal Network boasts over 1.3 million monthly users across its diverse brand portfolio.
CEO Helmut Becker expressed, “We are extremely proud as we celebrate Zeal’s 25th anniversary. What started as a modest two-man operation in Hamburg has evolved into a thriving corporation with over 250 employees.”
He added, “Our success in lottery brokerage is unparalleled, and we continue to broaden our market reach and business model.”