Sun ​Zhunhao Breaks‍ Silence‌ on Arrest and Ban by Chinese Football Association

Former Shandong ⁤Taishan⁢ foreign aid Sun Zhunhao ⁣held a press⁤ conference on ​September 11 to address his arrest and subsequent ban by the Chinese Football Association. During the conference, Sun Zhunhao became⁢ emotional, choking up‌ with tears multiple times.

Sun Zhunhao expressed ‌his regret⁢ and self-blame, stating,⁣ “I regret it very much, I blame myself‌ very​ much, I’m sorry to the Korean Football Association, I don’t ​know what to say, I don’t know what to ⁣do.”

Recalling his arrest ‌at the Chinese airport, Sun Zhunhao described feeling panicked⁢ and ​shocked, particularly in front of his family. He explained that⁣ the police used his mobile phone to translate a sentence, which stated, “You are arrested for taking ⁣bribes.” Sun Zhunhao claimed he didn’t understand ‍the ⁣meaning‍ and​ argued his innocence.

During his detention, Sun⁢ Zhunhao was crammed with⁣ over 20 people for‍ approximately 10⁣ months. As a ⁣Korean, he couldn’t communicate with the others, and the experience was​ extremely difficult. He ⁤longed to escape and return to South Korea as soon as possible.

Sun Zhunhao confessed that he made a rash ‍decision to admit to the crime ​in ⁤order to return to his ⁤family ‌quickly. However, after meeting with​ his lawyer, he realized he should not have admitted⁣ guilt and felt stupid and pitiful for his decision.

When meeting with officials, Sun Zhunhao was told that if he‌ admitted ⁤to receiving 200,000 yuan, he would be released and allowed to continue his football⁣ career in ‌South Korea. He ​was assured that this ⁢was not‍ an accusation ​of match-fixing, but rather⁤ personal bribery. Sun Zhunhao questioned the logic, stating that the winning prize for a game was ​160,000 yuan, and he couldn’t⁢ understand how 200,000‌ yuan would be considered‍ match-fixing.

Under constant ​pressure, Sun Zhunhao was forced to admit to minor crimes in exchange for ⁤release and the promise ‍to continue his professional career. After being released, he received ‍an ‌international transfer ⁢certificate and quickly restarted his football career in South Korea.

Sun Zhunhao explained that his money​ transactions with Jin Jingdao were due ​to their close relationship. He had lent money to Jin Jingdao, but the transfer records between ⁢them had nothing to do‍ with match-fixing.

Sun Zhunhao believes‍ he was ⁤treated unfairly during the investigation. The investigators suggested he admit to accepting bribes to avoid​ the charge of participating in match-fixing. Sun Zhunhao hopes that⁤ everyone will‌ understand the‍ unfair treatment he ⁣suffered and that ‍the⁢ football world will believe ⁢and help him.

Timeline of Sun‍ Zhunhao’s Case

• May ⁣12, 2023: Sun Zhunhao was taken away ‍when trying⁢ to leave Shanghai, suspected of bribery of non-public officials.
• May 15, 2023:‌ The South‌ Korean Embassy in China confirmed that Sun Junhao is under investigation by the Chinese police.
• May 16, 2023: South Korean agent stated that ‌Sun ‍Junhao had no reason to bribe the Chinese agent and was arrested.
• May 16, ​2023: The Chinese and South Korean foreign‌ ministries issued ⁢statements, stating⁣ that Sun Zhunhao ​was‌ involved in the crime of accepting bribes as‌ a non-state employee.
• May 17, 2023: Sun Junhao sent a message ⁣to his family, stating, “I am fine now, don’t ⁤worry too much.”
• June 5, 2023: Son ‌Jun-ho was selected for the South Korean team, with ‍Klinsmann showing support.
• June 20, 2023: The ​South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs‍ stated‍ that Sun Junhao’s investigation period may be up to 7 months, ⁢and​ consular interviews will⁤ continue.
• September 4, 2023: The South​ Korean Foreign Minister requested that‍ China not arrest and investigate the Sun Junhao case.
• November 23, 2023: The Ministry⁣ of‍ Foreign Affairs responded to the ⁢Sun Zhunhao incident,⁣ stating that the⁣ case will ‌be handled strictly in ‌accordance with the law.
• March 25, 2024: ​Former Taishan foreign aid Sun Junhao was released ‌and returned to ​South Korea.
• March 26, 2024: Sun⁣ Junhao posted a photo, stating, “I have returned safely⁢ and spent time with my ⁤family.”
• Before⁤ April 22, 2024: Taishan player Sun⁤ Junhao completed registration in‍ the K5 League.
• June ⁤14, 2024: K League ⁢Suwon FC officially announced that Son Jun-ho joined.
• June 23, 2024: Sun ‍Junhao ‌stated, “I ‍am grateful to be ⁢back on the court again.”
• June 25, 2024: Suwon FC held a welcome ceremony for Son Jun-ho.
• August 18, 2024: Son Jun-ho scored for the‌ first time in a year and ​a half, helping Suwon win.
• August 27, 2024: Sun Junhao was not selected for the South​ Korean team, with Korean​ media stating that the⁤ Chinese Football Association is⁢ about to announce his punishment.
• September 10, 2024: The Football Association officially announced that Sun Zhunhao,⁤ the former ⁤Taishan foreign aid, was banned for life for manipulating‌ football matches.
• September 11, 2024: Sun Junhao stated, “I have to ⁣admit the charges in order to go home ⁣and ask ​the football⁣ world⁢ to⁤ help me.”