South Korean footballer Son Jun-ho alleges coercion by Chinese authorities to admit to match-fixing accusations.
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) handed out permanent bans to 38 players, including Son, and five officials the day prior, after a two-year probe into game-tampering and betting scandals as part of a broader initiative to combat corruption.
"I've never participated in match-fixing," Son declared at a press conference in response. "The sole piece of evidence they have against me is a forced confession." He continued, choking up, "They threatened to arrest and investigate my wife if I didn't admit to the allegations."
Son, who had been dropped from the South Korean national team since the crisis surfaced, was freed and returned to his home in March following almost 10 months of imprisonment in China.
According to Son, he had agreed to remain silent about his time in custody as a condition for his release, but he felt compelled to speak out due to his surprise at being included in China's sanctions.
He claimed that while he didn't endure any mistreatment during his imprisonment, the conditions under which he was held were harsh.
The Chinese Football Association was unavailable for comment on Son's remarks., Neither the General Administration of Sport of China nor the foreign and public security ministries replied to requests for comment.
Three former Chinese national team members, Jin Jingdao, Guo Tianyu, and Gu Chao, also received lifetime bans, as detailed during a press conference on Tuesday by the public security ministry and the General Administration of Sport of China.
In May of last year, China's foreign ministry accused Son, then playing for the Chinese Super League club Shandong Taishan FC, of accepting bribes.
Son, now with South Korean side Suwon FC, expressed his desire to continue his career.
Despite the controversy surrounding his involvement in betting scandals, Son remains passionate about football as a sport. He recently joined South Korean side Suwon FC, hoping to regain his form and contribute to the team.
