South Korea's Son Jun-ho denies Chinese accusations of soccer match-fixing

South Korean soccer player Son Jun-ho, who was detained and released in China before returning home this year, reacts during a news conference after China's football association banned him for life following a two-year investigation into match-fixing and gambling, in Suwon, South Korea, September 11, 2024. - Reuters

SEOUL: South Korean soccer player Son Jun-ho tearfully denied on Wednesday (Sept 11) accusations by Chinese authorities that he participated in match-fixing and bribery when playing in the country and said he gave a false confession under duress.

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) declared a lifetime ban the previous day on 38 players, including Son and five officials, following a two-year investigation into match-fixing and gambling that was part of a crackdown on corruption.