37 Million Won and a Career on the Line: Son Jun-ho’s Shocking Contract Termination from Suwon FC
- 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...
- Choi Soon-ho, the general manager of Suwon FC, released a statement explaining the decision.
- The club accepted Son Jun-ho's request to terminate his contract, thinking of the club, his fellow players, and the fans.
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.