South Korea coach Jürgen Klinsmann called for the release of Chinese national team player Son Jun-ho. The South Korean football player has been detained since May on suspicion of bribery.
“We have only one wish for Christmas. That means releasing Son Jun-ho so he can see his family again,” said Klinsmann, whose team beat China 3-0 in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match earlier this week. “We have not heard such news until today. “Anything that indicates he did something wrong.”
The 31-year-old midfielder, who has a contract with Shandong Taishan since 2021 and won the Chinese Super League championship with his club, was arrested at Shanghai Airport on May 12 this year. He was accused of bribery, but authorities did not disclose further details.
Under Chinese law, a suspect can be detained for a maximum of 37 days before prosecutors open a case, but the football player remains in custody.
Klinsmann, a 20-time international who played for South Korea at the 2022 World Cup, invited Son to two friendly matches in June while he was in captivity. He later played against South Korea, Peru and El Salvador.
It is unclear whether China will heed Klinsmann’s call. Authorities said they would “certainly handle” Son’s case and protect the rights of everyone involved.
Source: NOS
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