Post-PK Display: Son's Case Gains Intense Heat Following Public Appearance
A South Korean soccer player, Son Jun-ho, gets a permanent ban in China and makes major accusations back home. His employer, Suwon FC, appears to find the situation too controversial. In a formal manner, Son has requested the dissolution of his contract.
Following a lifetime ban in China and his accusations, Son Jun-ho and Suwon FC are splitting ways. The first-tier South Korean soccer club announced the termination of Son's contract, as reported by news agency Yonhap. The team shared a statement on Instagram. Sports director Choi Soon-ho mentioned it would be disrespectful to fans to continue with Son under these circumstances.
Another statement from the club, circulating around, presents a different narrative about the split: "We've agreed to his contract termination request after he expressed his worries about the club, his teammates, and the fans."
This week, the Chinese Football Association banned the South Korean player, Son, for life from participating in football activities in China due to corruption allegations and match-fixing suspicions. These allegations concern Son's time with the first-division club Shandong Taishan between 2021 and 2023. More than 40 other soccer players and club officials have been given a lifetime ban as well.
Denial and Counter-allegations
Shortly following the Chinese association's announcement, Son refuted the allegations in Suwon, emotionally. He also claimed the Chinese authorities forced a confession out of him. Son spent roughly ten months imprisoned in the People's Republic during the investigation, before being released in March of this year. The Chinese association reportedly sent the investigation results to FIFA. If FIFA follows the Chinese ruling and internationally bans him, it would mark the end of Son's career.
Choi mentioned the club initially considered keeping Son, but now the situation has grown too complex. They decided terminating the contract was an appropriate action. Yonhap noted that the press conference in Suwon left more questions than answers, contributing to a shift in public opinion against him.
The Chinese Football Association imposed a lifetime ban on Son, citing corruption allegations and match-fixing suspicions. The South Korean player, Son Jun-ho, vehemently denied these charges.
