GUANGZHOU: The long-awaited corruption trial for the founder of Jianlibao Group, China's biggest sports beverage producer, was delayed yesterday because of the 70-year-old's poor health.

Li Jingwei, the company's former president, is accused of embezzling more than three million yuan ($440,000) in public funds during 18 years at the company, the Foshan procuratorate said.

The Foshan Intermediate People's Court said Li's trial was delayed after he developed serious health complications. No further details were provided.