Worry about kinship: Soccer champion alleges China of extortion
Following Jun-Ho Son's arrest in China for alleged match-fixing, which resulted in a lifelong ban from football, the South Korean player has vocalized severe accusations. He alleges that the Chinese authorities employed coercive tactics, prompting his confession due to concerns over his family's safety.
In May of the previous year, Son was taken into custody in China, with the Chinese Football Association (CFA) accusing him of match-fixing and bribery. At the time, he was a member of Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League. Recently, alongside 42 others, Son was given a lifetime ban for suspected gambling and match-fixing in Chinese football.
In an emotional press conference, Son described his arrest as an unexpected shock. He claimed the Chinese police levied ludicrous allegations against him. "They threatened to jail my wife and hold her captive in the same prison as me if I didn't admit to the charges," he revealed.
Confession under pressure?
"I'm innocent," Son asserted, but conceded that his confession was compelled by fear for his loved ones.
His agent speculates that Son may escape repercussions from FIFA, given that China has yet to supply proof of wrongdoing. FIFA has yet to comment on this matter. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, Beijing has intensified its efforts to combat corruption in Chinese sports, especially football, and has imprisoned several prominent sports figures.
Since then, Son returned to South Korea and currently plays for Suwon in the first division. He participated in three games for the South Korean national team during the 2022 World Cup.
- Despite his claims of innocence, the coercive tactics employed by Chinese authorities led Son to confess to match-fixing charges, potentially putting his family at risk in China.
- The allegations against Son and his subsequent confession have raised concerns about the Chinese authorities' methods in combating match-fixing and corruption in football, given China's prominent role in global sports.
