SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean footballer Son Jun-ho, who once played for Shandong Taishan, held a press conference on September 11, addressing the Chinese Football Association’s (CFA) decision to impose a lifetime ban on him for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal. Son admitted to receiving 200,000 yuan (approximately USD 30,000) from his teammate Jin Jingdao but denied any illegal intentions behind the payment.
The scandal erupted when Son was detained by Chinese authorities in May last year at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport before returning to South Korea. He was subsequently investigated on charges of taking bribes as a non-state employee by the Liaoning Provincial Public Security Bureau. Following his arrest, the People’s Procuratorate approved his detention.
During the press conference, held at the Suwon Sports Hall in Gyeonggi Province’s Suwon City, Son explained that the money he received from Jin was likely a repayment for gifts he had previously given to Jin’s football training school and for covering medical expenses for Jin’s parents. He claimed that he did not find the sum of 200,000 yuan significant at the time due to his high salary in China.
Son also claimed that he was coerced by Chinese police into confessing to charges of manipulating matches for不正当利益 (illegitimate gains). He alleged that the police threatened to detain his wife and bring their children to China if he did not cooperate. Son further stated that the police showed him photos of his children and warned him about the consequences of being without his parents. He claimed that the police promised him release within 7-15 days if he confessed and advised him that as a foreigner, he might be involved in diplomatic issues, allowing him to be released on bail.
Despite his initial coerced confession, Son maintained that he never admitted to the charges during his interrogation. He claimed that he only received the 200,000 yuan five to six days after the match in question and that the Chinese investigation authorities failed to provide concrete evidence.
The CFA announced a decision the previous day, stating that Son participated in irregular transactions, manipulated football matches, and gained illegal benefits. As a result, the association decided to ban Son from engaging in any football-related activities for life. If the CFA notifies FIFA of the disciplinary action, the decision will be applicable globally, effectively preventing Son from joining any professional football leagues in countries like South Korea.
Son, who joined Suwon FC in June this year, has been a controversial figure in South Korean football. His case has sparked discussions about the integrity of the sport and the role of authorities in maintaining fair play.
The incident has raised questions about the extent of match-fixing in Chinese football and the methods used by authorities during investigations. Son’s claims of coercion and the lack of concrete evidence against him have drawn criticism towards the Chinese justice system and the CFA’s decision.
As the case unfolds, the football community awaits further developments and a clearer understanding of the events surrounding Son Jun-ho’s involvement in the match-fixing scandal.
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