Son Jun-ho, the South Korea World Cup player broke down in tears recently. He denies match-fixing and accuses China of blackmail after receiving a lifetime ban.
Son played for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League. The CFA (Chinese Football Association) accused him of taking part in match-fixing. Last year, authorities detained him for 10 months.
The midfielder appeared in three of four South Korea’s matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Son returned to South Korea in March after his detention began in May of the previous year.
However, Chinese authorities banned him for life earlier this week along with 42 others over alleged gambling and match-fixing.
Son, weeping and visibly emotional told reporters his arrest had been an overwhelming shock.
The 32-year old player insists he had to make a false confession under duress in order to be freed. Yet, he apparently agreed to have his current contract ended.
Suwon FC said in a statement that with the idea that they can no longer leave their fans who have been supporting the players and the team all year in confusion, the club has accepted a request by Son to terminate his contract that he made out of consideration for his teammates and fans.
He had hoped to continue his career with Suwon after he returned from China in March. Nevertheless, his prospects became uncertain after South Korean media reported that the CFA had referred his case to FIFA.
Son said that the Chinese police presented ridiculous charges. They threatened to arrest his wife through the foreign ministry and bring her to the same detention center for investigation if he didn’t admit to the charges.
He said they did not provide him with sufficient Korean translations or access to a lawyer. When he realized that Chinese police accused him of bribery, he was dumbfounded.
