Allegations Linked to Match-Fixing in Chinese Super League

South Korean midfielder Son Jun-ho has been detained in Liaoning province, China, on suspicion of accepting a bribe, according to China’s Foreign Ministry. The ministry announced on Tuesday that Son was placed in custody “recently” and is currently under investigation.

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin confirmed that the South Korean consulate in Shenyang has been informed of Son’s detention and has been granted access to him in accordance with international treaties. Son, who has been playing for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League, is reportedly involved in bribery allegations linked to suspected match-fixing involving his coach, Hao Wei.

Details regarding the timing and conditions of Son’s detention remain unclear. However, local reports indicate that he was detained at an airport while preparing to leave the country with his family on Friday.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lim Soo-suk, stated that the government is providing Son with “necessary consular assistance” but refrained from sharing further details due to privacy concerns.

Chinese soccer has faced ongoing challenges with corruption among coaches, team owners, players, referees, and sports officials. The league recently resumed after pandemic-related shutdowns, and several high-profile figures, including former men’s national coach Li Tie, have been arrested on corruption charges.

Despite efforts by Communist Party leader Xi Jinping to invest significantly in transforming China into a soccer superpower, the men’s national team currently ranks 81st in the world, and professional teams often depend on expensive foreign players to attract fans.

Son, 31, previously played seven seasons with South Korea’s Pohang Steelers and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors before joining Shandong Taishan in 2021 on a four-year contract. He has represented South Korea 18 times, including appearances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.