South Korea’s Suwon FC has parted ways with midfielder Son Ju-ho, terminating his contract by mutual agreement. This decision follows the Chinese Football Association’s (CFA) imposition of a lifetime ban on Son for his alleged involvement in match-fixing and bribery. While the 32-year-old vehemently denies the accusations, the CFA announced on Tuesday that he was among 38 players banned from the sport.
Son, who previously played for the Chinese Super League club Shandong Taishan FC, claims he was coerced into giving a false confession during his nearly 10-month detention in China, citing harsh conditions. His statement highlights the struggles he endured, emphasizing the pressure he faced while in custody.
Suwon FC acknowledged the impact of this situation on their fans and ultimately agreed to terminate Son’s contract at his request. He had hoped to continue his career with the Korea Football Association and signed for Suwon FC upon returning from China in March. However, his prospects became uncertain after South Korean media reported that the CFA had referred his case to FIFA, the sport’s global governing body. FIFA is expected to review the case and potentially take disciplinary action against Son.
Son’s future in football remains uncertain, with his lifetime ban from Chinese football and the potential for further sanctions from FIFA casting a shadow over his career. The situation underscores the seriousness of match-fixing and bribery in the sport, highlighting the significant consequences that can arise from such actions.
