Is Son Jun-ho's Return Path Opening? FIFA Rejects Disciplinary Request Against Chinese Football Association

FIFA rejects Chinese Football Association's request
for global extension of Son Jun-ho's permanent expulsion

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has dismissed the Chinese Football Association's request for the 'permanent expulsion' of Son Jun-ho, opening up the possibility of his return to the field.

On the 24th, the Korea Football Association stated, "This morning, we received an official letter from FIFA informing us that the Chinese Football Association's request to extend Son Jun-ho's disciplinary action worldwide has been dismissed," adding, "Son Jun-ho has also been notified of this fact."

Former national soccer player Son Jun-ho is holding a press conference regarding the permanent expulsion disciplinary action by the Chinese Football Association on the afternoon of September 11 last year at the Suwon City Sports Center in Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Yonhap News

Previously, the Chinese Football Association imposed a permanent expulsion penalty on Son Jun-ho on September 10 last year, who had been under investigation by Chinese public security for the charge of 'bribery by non-state actor.' At the time, the Chinese Football Association stated, "According to facts recognized by judicial authorities, former Shandong Taishan player Son Jun-ho participated in illegitimate transactions to seek unjust benefits, manipulated football matches, and obtained illegal profits," adding, "Any football-related activities by Son Jun-ho are banned for life." Along with this, the Chinese Football Association reported Son Jun-ho's permanent expulsion to FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Earlier, in May 2023, Son Jun-ho was detained by public security while attempting to return home through Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and was investigated by the Chaoyang Public Security Bureau in Liaoning Province under criminal custody. His charge was 'bribery by non-state actor,' which applies when a person affiliated with a company or other non-governmental entity illegally accepts property by abusing their official position.

Son Jun-ho strongly denied any involvement in match-fixing or the exchange of money during his transfer to Shandong. After about 10 months of detention, he was released in March last year and returned to K League 1 in June wearing the Suwon FC uniform. However, when the Chinese Football Association imposed the permanent expulsion penalty on Son Jun-ho in September last year, Suwon FC terminated their contract with him.

Meanwhile, after dismissing the Chinese Football Association's request to extend Son Jun-ho's permanent expulsion worldwide, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee notified the Korea Football Association. Accordingly, Son Jun-ho now has the opportunity to register as a player not only with K League teams but also with overseas leagues excluding the Chinese league.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.