Son Jun-ho Denies Forced Match-Fixing Confession

South Korean soccer player Son Jun-ho denies match-fixing claims, says confession was forced by Chinese authorities under duress.

South Korean soccer player Son Jun-ho has denied accusations by Chinese authorities that he was involved in match-fixing and bribery during his time playing in China, tearfully stating that his confession was forced under duress.

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced a lifetime ban on 38 players, including Son, along with five officials, following a two-year investigation into match-fixing and gambling as part of a larger anti-corruption effort.

"I never took part in match-fixing," Son stated at a press conference. "The only evidence they have is my false confession made under coercion," he said, breaking down emotionally. "I was threatened that if I didn’t accept the charges, my wife would be arrested and investigated as well."

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Son, a midfielder who lost his place in the South Korean national team after the scandal emerged, was detained in China for nearly 10 months before being released and returning to South Korea in March. Despite agreeing to remain silent about his detention as a condition of his release, Son said he decided to speak up after being included in China's lifetime bans. 

Although he wasn’t mistreated, Son described the detention conditions as harsh. 

The Chinese Football Association, along with China’s General Administration of Sport and its foreign and public security ministries, did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Son’s statements.

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In addition to Son, three former Chinese internationals—Jin Jingdao, Guo Tianyu, and Gu Chao—were also banned for life, as announced at a press conference by the General Administration of Sport of China and the public security ministry.

Son was arrested in May last year while playing for the Chinese Super League club Shandong Taishan FC, with China’s foreign ministry stating at the time that he was suspected of accepting bribes.

Having now signed with South Korean team Suwon FC, Son expressed his hopes of continuing his soccer career.