South Korean football star, Son Jun-ho, has been apprehended and held in custody in China on allegations of accepting illicit payments, according to recent reports. The 31-year-old player, who currently competes in the Chinese Super League (CSL), was detained in the Liaoning province located in northeastern China.
Sources reveal that Son’s arrest took place at a Shanghai airport on Friday, as confirmed by the Chinese foreign ministry. This incident occurs amidst a vigorous crackdown on corruption and match-fixing within Chinese football. China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, disclosed on Tuesday that Son Jun-ho was being detained due to suspicions of bribery, despite not being a state official.
Son Jun-ho serves as a midfielder for Shandong Taishan, a prominent soccer club in the CSL, which recently claimed victory in both the 2021 league title and the 2021 Chinese Football Association Cup. Furthermore, Son is also a valued member of South Korea’s national men’s team and played a crucial role in their progression to the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson from South Korea’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged their awareness of Son’s predicament and affirmed that local Korean diplomatic missions were actively providing consular assistance. However, the spokesperson refrained from disclosing additional details due to the Personal Information Protection Act.
China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, declared that they would extend the necessary support to South Korean officials to carry out their consular responsibilities effectively.
The arrest and subsequent detention of Son Jun-ho in China mark a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and match-fixing in Chinese football. As the investigation progresses, both football enthusiasts and the general public eagerly await further updates on this high-profile case.
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