On March 22, 2025, a controversial judgment surfaced in the world of football, connecting South Korean player Son Jun-ho to match-fixing allegations that have plagued his career in recent years. The judgment image was posted on Baijiahao, a Chinese content-sharing platform, revealing details that suggest Son Jun-ho may have admitted to participation in match-fixing.
Son Jun-ho, a 32-year-old footballer currently with Chungnam Asan, was first implicated in an alleged match-fixing incident during a game on January 1, 2022, when his team Shandong Taishan faced Shanghai Haigang. The court judgment stated that two hours before the game, Jin Jingdao approached Son, advising him to play casually, control the game's pace, and refrain from scoring. This directive was reportedly woven into a betting scheme that they had previously engaged in.
“Jin Jingdao told me, 'Play casually and don’t score goals. If we win, it won’t be good,'” Son stated in his testimony according to the leaked court document. This specific game ended in a 2-2 draw, meeting the objective that was reportedly set by Jin and agreed upon by Son.
As the allegations quickly gained traction, it was revealed that following the match, Jin Jingdao transferred 200,000 yuan (approximately 40 million won) into Son's bank account, an action that raised further suspicions regardless of Son's claims of confusion regarding the funds. In a press conference after the accusations emerged, Son admitted to receiving the money but emphasized, “I don’t remember the exact reason for receiving it. It’s definitely not illegal.”
The fallout from the scandal saw Son Jun-ho detained in China in May 2023 under allegations of bribery of non-national employees while he was attempting to return to Korea. His legal woes continued, as he claimed that pressure from the authorities forced him to give a false confession during the investigation, which lasted months.
After returning to Korea in March 2024, his reputation had been severely affected despite his attempts to prove his innocence. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) imposed a lifetime ban on him in September 2024 due to the match-fixing allegations, leading to his subsequent termination with Suwon FC, where he had been playing since his return.
Despite the legal challenges, FIFA denied the CFA's request to extend the ban globally, allowing Son the opportunity to rejoin the professional football scene in February 2025 with Chungnam Asan in K League 2. However, this recent revelation regarding the court judgment has reignited controversy over his integrity on the field.
The Chinese media has been critical of Son's past actions, with numerous reports detailing his apparent collaboration with Jin Jingdao, presenting a narrative that suggests widespread corruption in football. While Son maintains his innocence, distinguishing illegal from legal gambling practices remains a significant hurdle in his defense.
The court ruling, as described, seems to imply that multiple players, including Son, might be embroiled in a larger betting scheme—something that the Chinese authorities are keen to investigate further.
Drama and speculation surround the event as local and international media begin to dissect the ramifications of these revelations. The re-emergence of the ruling has pulled the spotlight back onto Son, who is attempting to rebuild his career amidst growing skepticism.
“I have always loved football and will keep fighting to restore my name,” Son expressed during a recent interview. However, skepticism from supporters and critics alike casts a shadow on his comeback.
In conclusion, the impact of these allegations on Son's career remains to be seen, as the investigation unfolds, and many await the response from the football community. The shadow of the judgment continues to loom large, leaving fans and officials wondering what the future holds for the former national player.
