The Chinese Super League (CSL) side Hebei China Fortune FC have been fined RMB 400,000 (US$61,720). This punishment was announced after Li Tie, the club’s head coach, was found wearing sneakers with Adidas logos, instead of the official kit sponsor Nike.
The 39-year-old did not realise he was wearing the wrong kit during the match between Hebei China Fortune and Changchun Yatai in the 4th round of the 2016 CSL.
“No one told me a coach cannot wear other brands,” Li said, “though I have covered the offending logos after receiving the CSL’s announcement.”
A statement released by the CSL indicated that "We sent a warning notice after the 3rd round of the 2016 CSL, but did not see any change in the 4th round."
Li Tie is a former Chinese footballer who played for Liaoning FC in the Chinese Jia-A League and Everton in the Premier League. He is currently the head coach of Hebei China Fortune F.C. and assistant coach of the Chinese national team.
Source: Xinhua
Proofread by John Devlin.