Suwon FC Terminates Contract with Former National Soccer Player Son Jun-ho

Suwon FC, a professional ⁢soccer​ team ⁢in‌ K League 1, has terminated its contract with midfielder Son Jun-ho, who was permanently banned by the Chinese Football Association for ⁢match-fixing.

Choi Soon-ho, the general manager of Suwon FC, released a statement⁣ explaining the ‍decision. “We have spent time contemplating⁣ the matter with the belief that it is our duty to help the players perform at their best on the field. ‍However, we decided that we could ⁣no longer cause confusion outside of the ⁤game to our players who have worked ⁣hard throughout the season and our cheering fans.”

The club accepted Son Jun-ho’s request to terminate his contract, thinking of the club, his fellow players, and the fans. “I apologize for causing ⁤concern to Suwon FC ⁢fans and all⁢ Korean soccer fans due to a series of circumstances. I ⁢ask ⁢for your support and encouragement,” added Choi Soon-ho.

Son Jun-ho was initially signed with Suwon FC until December ⁤of this year. However, as the ⁢controversy grew, the club quickly ended the contract. Son Jun-ho was taken into custody by the police ​at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport ⁣in May of last year on charges of bribery and⁣ match-fixing.

He was‌ later detained and investigated ‍by the‌ Chaoyang Public Security Bureau of Liaoning Province. Son Jun-ho was tried ​in China, released in March, returned to Korea, and joined Suwon FC in June. After returning to the domestic K-League,​ Son Jun-ho played a key role, scoring 1 ⁣goal and​ 1 assist in ⁣12 games.

Son Jun-ho held a press conference on the 11th, the day after the Chinese government announced his permanent expulsion, and tearfully pleaded that he⁣ had absolutely denied ​any involvement in match-fixing. However, while he admitted to receiving 200,000 yuan ‌(approximately ‍37 million won) from‍ his teammate Jin Jingdao,‍ he could not clearly ​explain the reason, leaving questions‌ unanswered.

Suwon FC decided to terminate his contract, judging ⁣that further confusion would be disrespectful to the fans.