World Cup star Son Jun-ho leaves Korean club after match-fixing ban

By AFP
September 14, 2024
Suwon FC player Son Jun-ho pauses to gather himself during a press conference in Suwon, south of Seoul, on Wednesdady, claiming his innocence in light of Chinas decision to ban him for life over match-fixing charges. — Yonhap
Suwon FC player Son Jun-ho pauses to gather himself during a press conference in Suwon, south of Seoul, on Wednesdady, claiming his innocence in light of China's decision to ban him for life over match-fixing charges. — Yonhap

SEOUL: South Korean World Cup midfielder Son Jun-ho had his contract with top-tier Suwon FC terminated Friday by mutual consent, three days after Chinese football banned him for life for alleged match-fixing.

Son gave a tearful press conference on Wednesday in which he proclaimed his innocence, having been among 43 people banned this week by the Chinese Football Association.

The 32-year-old, who previously played for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League, returned to South Korea in March having spent 10 months in detention in China.

He joined K League side Suwon in June as he attempted to get his career back on track, but he and the club on Friday cut ties as the controversy swirled.

Choi Soon-ho, Suwon´s sporting director, said: “We have decided to accept Son Jun-ho´s request for contract termination, as he has expressed his concern for the club, his team-mates and the fans.