Following a massive investigation by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) into a match-fixing scandal that saw 38 players and five officials banned, one South Korean is sharing his side of the story.
In an emotional press conference on Wednesday, former Shandong Taishan F.C. midfielder Son Jun-ho is denying accusations by Chinese authorities that he took part in match-fixing efforts while playing in China, claiming instead that he provided a false confession when threatened by Chinese authorities.
“I never took part in match-fixing,” Son said. “The only evidence they have is my false confession made under coercion. I was threatened that if I didn’t accept the charges, my wife would be arrested and investigated, too.”
The South Korean national, with nearly two dozen caps for his squad including at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, was released from his team and returned home in March after 10 months in detention, eventually joining Korean club Suwon FC.
“I said I hadn't done anything like that,” Son said, according to the Korea JoongAng Daily. “While showing me pictures of my daughter and son on my phone, they pressured me, saying: 'What did the children do to deserve this? If your wife comes here, too, how will the kids manage? Don't you think your children want to see their father? So admit it quickly.’”
Son also shared that he was not provided access to a legal council or Korean translations and that conditions during detainment were described as harsh, though he added that he was not mistreated during detention.
What comes next?
As the story continues to develop, and Son remains banned from CFA competition, it’s unclear as to whether the ban will be held up beyond those jurisdictions.
An official document had been sent by the CFA regarding Son’s ban to both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation, according to an official for the Korea Football Association. FIFA will ultimately have the final say on whether to ban Son worldwide, in a move that would effectively end Son’s career at 32 years old.
"The judicial authorities in China handle cases in strict accordance with the law, and fully protect the lawful rights and interests of the person concerned," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a regular press briefing, according to an English-language transcript. "Son Jun-ho admitted his wrongdoing, accepted the punishment, expressed remorse in court and said he would not appeal."
Notably, Son also claims that prior to trial, a judge offered quick release in exchange for admission to receiving just under $30,000 in cash under the pretense he would only be charged with bribery rather than match-fixing.
Son has also admitted to receiving that cash from a teammate with Shandong, however, has reportedly insisted that nothing about the transaction was related to illegal operations.
