It was a press conference with question marks left.
Son Joon-ho (32, Suwon FC) held a press conference at the Suwon Sports Council on Wednesday and explained about the disciplinary action he received from the Chinese Football Association. “Former Shandong Taishan player Son Joon-ho seriously violated sports ethics and lost his sports spirit by engaging in illegal transactions, match fixing and illegal profits in order to promote unfair profits,” the Chinese Football Association said on Wednesday. “He is not allowed to engage in any activities related to soccer throughout his life.” It is a kind of permanent suspension of qualification.
The key content from the meeting was that Son received 200,000 yuan (38,500 U.S. dollars) from his colleague and friend Jin Jing-dao in Shandong Province. Jin Jing-dao was suspended permanently this time along with Son.
According to Son, the Chinese authorities designated the match between Shandong Taishan and Shanghai Haigang in January 2022 as the target of match fixing. Son Joon-ho has suggested the allegation that he participated in match fixing along with Jin Jingdao. Son said, “Inside, the money was asked to be recognized (for match fixing).”
It is a fact that Son Joon-ho received 200,000 yuan from Jinjingdao. Son Joon-ho also admitted, “I received 200,000 yuan five to six days after the game.” The problem is that Son Joon-ho does not know or explain the name of 200,000 yuan properly.
Son Joon-ho said, “My friend was the only one in Shandong who spoke Korean. He also helped me adjust. When my family came, they took good care of each other and gave each other gifts and became close. That’s how we lived together, so we even borrowed money from each other. Since we were friends, we had a money transaction. Even when we were investigated, he stated that it was not illegal money. I can honestly say that it is not a match-fixing.” He said he received a lot of money, but he did not know exactly why Jin Jing-dao delivered the money to Son Joon-ho. He just emphasized his “friend.”
Son claimed that it had nothing to do with match fixing for several reasons. “I am proud of myself. It doesn’t make sense to have a match fixing because of 200,000 yuan when the bonus is 160,000 yuan. I played 90 minutes in the match and the team tied. I want to show you the match,” said Park Dae-yeon, CEO of NEST, Son’s deputy. “Jinjingdao and Son Jun-ho were also highly paid. Shandong receives a lot of money for winning. Jun-ho is a tight-knit guy. He said that the currency unit felt different because it was Chinese money.” Emotionally, it is understandable, but it is not enough to clearly define the source of 200,000 yuan.
Rather, from the perspective of the Chinese Football Association, the public security, and the prosecution, it can be assumed that the money was paid in exchange for match fixing. Coincidentally, Son Joon-ho received a considerable amount of money within five to six days after the game, so it is not strange to make a reasonable suspicion. For this reason, reporters who attended the meeting continued to ask the source of 200,000 yuan and the reason for the receipt. Without solving this puzzle, a clear explanation is impossible.
Claims of coercive investigation by Chinese police or Park’s remarks, which came out at the meeting, never help prove Son’s innocence regarding match fixing. If Son fails to reveal the source of 200,000 yuan to the end, the situation will inevitably turn unfavorable. 먹튀검증
The Korea Football Association has reportedly requested the Chinese Football Association for disciplinary action. If FIFA cites disciplinary action taken by the Chinese Football Association, Son will not be allowed to play in Korea. Son must also be accused of rigging matches.
If Son Joon-ho is really unfair, he should be able to clearly answer why he received the money. This point is likely to be a major issue in the process of fighting through the Sports Court (CAS).