Jang Hack-yong banned for life after trying to fix match

Korea’s football body said Monday it has expelled former national team player Jang Hack-yong from the football community for life over his attempt to fix a match.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) said its fair play committee meted out a lifetime ban to Jang, who is currently behind bars after being convicted on match-fixing charges. Jang retired from playing football in 2017, but with the latest ruling, he will not be able to work in any football-related capacity.

Jang met Asan Mugunghwa FC player Lee Han-saem in the second division K League 2 on Sept. 21 and tried to lure the defender into receiving a red card within 20 minutes of the kickoff in a match against Busan IPark FC on Sept. 22. Jang then offered Lee 50 million won ($44,300) to accept his proposal, but Lee rejected the offer and immediately reported it to the police.

He was later arrested, and the court handed down 10-month prison term for his wrongdoing.

Jang, 37, was an energetic left back who made his pro debut in 2004 with Seongnam Ilhwa, now Seongnam FC. He also played for Seoul United and Busan IPark before hanging up his boots in 2017 at Seongnam.

Jang had five caps with Korea. He made his international debut in January 2006 against the United Arab Emirates.

Yonhap