Match-fixing scandal spreads to players on K-League teams

The match-fixing scandal that started at municipal government-owned soccer teams in Daejeon and Gwangju is spreading to K-League teams.

When prosecutors started an investigation on May 24, the players implicated included those from Daejeon Citizen and Gwangju FC, two teams suffering from economic hardship. After Jeonbuk Hyundai Motor goalkeeper Yeom Dong-gyun confessed to taking part in match fixing while playing for the Chunnam Dragons, the probe focused on the "Jeonnam (South Jeolla Province) connection."

Most of the players being probed are from the Dragons, including midfielder Jung Yoon-sung, who was summoned for questioning by prosecutors.

Former international Choi Sung-kuk (Suwon Samsung Bluewings) confessed Wednesday to having ties to match fixing schemes after being summoned to the Changwon District Prosecutor`s Office Tuesday. The focus of the probe has since shifted to players serving in the Army.

Choi reportedly said he and player Kim Dong-hyun and five other players plotted to throw games last year.

Prosecutors are known to be probing four to five players who were serving in the Army last year. What the players will say is expected to magnify the repercussions of the scandal.

With star players earning more than 100,000 U.S. dollars per year, including three implicated in the scandal, prosecutors and the K-League are expanding the investigation into other leading players.

K-League Secretary-General Ahn Ki-hyun said, "We cannot disclose the names of players (who turned themselves in)," but added that many players have confessed and aided the probe.

Rumors in domestic soccer have it that players on pro teams in the Seoul metropolitan area and the provinces were also involved.

"Prosecutors are trying to figure out who was behind the scandal, like brokers as well as players, so that they can eradicate match fixing. The K-League and prosecutors will offer favorable treatment for players who voluntarily turn themselves in by Thursday," Ahn said.

"We`ll send a list of and information on players implicated in rumors even if they don`t turn themselves in. Prosecutors are expressing concern over the soccer sector but I think this is just the right time to root out match fixing once and for all."

yjongk@donga.com