Tottenham captain Heung-min Son’s father, Son Woong-jung, has been fined in South Korea for breaching child welfare laws at his soccer academy.
The Chuncheon District Court imposed a fine of 3 million won (around $2,200) on Son Woong-jung following claims that a coach at the Son Football Academy mistreated a young player.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, the parents of the child alleged that their son had been struck with a corner flag and verbally abused by one of the academy’s coaches.
Alongside Son Woong-jung, the two coaches involved in the incident also received fines of 3 million won each for their role in the violation.
Though Son Woong-jung denied any wrongdoing, he offered a public apology and committed to reviewing the coaching practices at the academy to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
The Son Football Academy, located in Chuncheon, was established in 2021, with much of its $15 million (£11.5 million) cost funded by Son himself.
The academy, founded by Son and his father, was intended to foster young football talent, with Son’s brother also being part of the initiative.
Despite this controversy, Son’s contribution to football development in his hometown remains notable.
His commitment to advancing the sport is visible through both his on-field success and off-field efforts, particularly with his investment in this advanced facility.
As the academy progresses, there will likely be more oversight to ensure the safety and well-being of its young players.