China Sentences Former Football Association President to Life Imprisonment for '1.4 Billion Bribery'... Son Jun-ho Trial Concludes

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reiterates "China Is a Country Under the Rule of Law" Without Detailed Explanation

As China conducts a crackdown on corruption and misconduct in the football world, former China Football Association chairman Chen Xuyuan was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial, Chinese media including China Central Television (CCTV) reported on the 26th. Son Junho, a former national football player detained by Chinese authorities, was released and returned home after 10 months. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its previous stance without detailed explanation, stating that "China is a country ruled by law."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Intermediate People's Court of Huangshi City, Hubei Province, handed down the first-instance verdict on the same day, sentencing former chairman Chen to life imprisonment for bribery and other charges, along with lifelong deprivation of political rights and confiscation of all personal property.

Chen, who served as president and chairman of Shanghai International Port Group from 2010 to 2023 and as chairman and president of the China Football Association's takeover committee from 2019 to 2023, was accused of providing convenience to related organizations and individuals in project contracts, investment and management, and competition schedules, while illegally accepting money and valuables. He was brought to trial in September last year. At the trial at the end of January, he admitted that the total bribes he received amounted to 81.03 million yuan (approximately 15.08 billion KRW). During the sentencing hearing, it was confirmed that 4 million yuan (approximately 740 million KRW) of this amount was not actually received and remained an attempted bribe. The court explained that considering the 4 million yuan bribery was an attempt, his confession, and his active return of the illicit gains, life imprisonment was imposed.

Son Junho, who was detained by Chinese authorities after being taken into custody on bribery charges as a non-state actor at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport on May 12 last year while attempting to return home, was released after about 10 months and arrived in South Korea the day before. It is reported that the legal proceedings related to Son Junho have concluded. The charge of bribery by a non-state actor applies to individuals affiliated with enterprises or other units rather than government agencies who illegally accept others' property by exploiting their official duties. Although there were speculations about involvement in match-fixing or the exchange of money during transfer processes, Son Junho's side strongly denied these allegations.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its previous stance without detailed explanation, stating that "China is a country ruled by law." At the regular briefing on the same day, spokesperson Lin Zhen was asked whether Son Junho had been released and returned to his home country, and if the timing of his return was related to the verdicts in the recent corruption cases in Chinese football. Lin responded, "We have briefly introduced the situation before, and for specific developments related to this case, please inquire with the competent authorities." He added, "In principle, China is a country ruled by law, strictly handles cases according to the law, and guarantees all legitimate rights and interests of the parties involved according to the law."