Redemption in Sight: 5-Year Disciplinary Action Wiped Clean for Star Player, Son Jun-ho’s Future Looks Bright
Chinese Football Association’s Anti-Corruption Campaign: Players’ Records at Risk
The Chinese Football Association has begun taking disciplinary action against players involved in its anti-gambling and anti-corruption campaign, leading to the removal of their records from official statistics.
Wang Song, a 41-year-old former captain and coach of Shijiazhuang Gongfu, was banned for five years from all football activities. His record of 1 point and 7 assists in 22 games in the 2024 Chinese Second Division League has been deleted from the association’s website.
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Wang Song was a player and coach in the 2024 Chinese professional football second division league and was banned for five years. Photo = Shijiazhuang Gongfu
Son Jun-ho, a 32-year-old former K League 1 MVP, was banned for life from all football activities. His record of 5 scores and 9 assists in 57 games in the 2021-2023 Chinese Super League and cup competitions is likely to be removed from official statistics.
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Son Jun-ho recorded 5 scores and 9 assists in 57 games in the 2021-2023 Chinese Super League and cup competitions, but was banned from football activities for life. Photo = Shandong Taishan
The Chinese Football Association’s new leadership, launched in October 2023, is taking a strong stance against corruption and match-fixing. It is likely that the records of players involved in these activities will be removed from official statistics.
Wang Song, who made significant contributions to the professional league, was forced to retire from active duty due to a five-year suspension. However, the Chinese Football Association was reluctant to expunge his records. Son Jun-ho is expected to be no exception.
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The Chinese Football Association imposed a lifetime ban on Son Jun-ho on the basis that the judicial authorities recognized that he sought and obtained illegal profits, and the punishment was upheld by abandoning the appeal. Photo = Shandong Taishan
Shandong Taishan, Son Jun-ho’s former team, has already erased his traces from their records. His performance in the Super League and Cup competitions is likely to be treated as dark history.
The Chinese Football Association’s anti-corruption campaign is ongoing, and it is expected that more players will face disciplinary action. The association’s new leadership is committed to eliminating corruption and ensuring the integrity of the sport.