Allegations of coercion: Football player implicates China in extortion tactics
After being apprehended in China for suspected match-fixing and facing a lifetime ban, South Korean footballer Jun-Ho Son has brought forth severe accusations. He alleges that the Chinese authorities forced his confession under duress due to anxiety over his family's safety.
Earlier last year, Son became embroiled in controversy as the Chinese Football Association (CFA) implicated him in match-fixing and bribery. During his stint with Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League, Son was taken into custody. Recently, the footballer, alongside 42 others, was given a lifetime ban due to allegations of match-fixing and gambling in the Chinese football scene.
Addressing the media with tears in his eyes, Son described his arrest as an "unanticipated shock". He claimed that the Chinese police had delivered preposterous accusations, implying they would arrest his wife and detain her alongside him if he didn't confess.
"I swear I am innocent," Son declared, but he felt compelled to confess out of worry for his family's well-being.
His representative believes that Son may evade penalties from FIFA, as China has yet to present proof of misconduct. FIFA has yet to respond to a request for comment on the matter. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, Beijing has intensified its efforts to curb corruption in Chinese sports, especially football, leading to the incarceration of numerous prominent figures.
Son returned to South Korea earlier this year and now plays for Suwon in the first division. He represented South Korea in three matches during the 2022 World Cup.
Despite being banned from soccer for life in China, Jun-Ho Son continues to play in South Korea's first division with Suwon. Moreover, he had the opportunity to represent South Korea in three matches during the 2022 World Cup.
