South Korean footballer detained over bribery charges in China

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – China on Tuesday confirmed that South Korean footballer Son Jun-ho was detained in the country on suspicion of having taken bribes.

Wang Wenbin, spokesman of China’s Foreign Ministry, told reporters in Beijing that Son, who plays for Shandong Taishan FC in the Chinese Super League, was detained by public security authorities in northern Liaoning province, according to the state-run Global Times newspaper.

The South Korean Consulate General in the provincial capital Shenyang was notified, said Wang, adding that officials will be provided “necessary facilities to perform their consular duties.”

The midfielder is said to have been held last Friday while trying to leave China with his family. He also represented South Korea in last year’s FIFA World Cup.

“He is now being investigated for accepting bribes, the same allegation made against his club coach Hao Hui, who was also being arrested,” Son's agent told local Chinese media, according to the South China Morning Post.

“We are trying to get more details on the case but believe the player may be released soon."