News: FC Seoul's Lee Sangho Hit With Voluntary Retirement Notice

After being charged with drink driving and given a 15-match ban, FC Seoul midfielder Lee Sangho has also been hit with a 'voluntary retirement' notice meaning that the 31 year-old will not be permitted to play in Korea until the notice has been withdrawn by FC Seoul.

As well as receiving a 15-match ban and 15 million Won fine as a result of a drink driving conviction, FC Seoul midfielder Lee Sangho has also been hit with a 'voluntary retirement' notice by the K League.

In the early hours of 3rd September 2018, Lee Sangho was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and given a four-month prison sentence suspended for two years. However, the 31 year-old failed to report the matter to his employers, K League 1 side FC Seoul.

Upon learning of Lee's conviction, FC Seoul applied to the K League for what is known as a 'voluntary retirement' order last Wednesday. A committee meeting took place on Monday 17th December where the K League decided to grant FC Seoul's request for the voluntary retirement of Lee Sangho.

No annual salary will be paid by FC Seoul during this time and the player is not permitted to sign for other clubs in Korea unless the club cancels the voluntary retirement notice. The player would be permitted to play for a team overseas after his contract expires at the end of next season, however.

An FC Seoul representative went on record as saying: "We learned about the player's driving under the influence of alcohol belatedly. The player did not immediately report the accident. His actions have discredited the team's reputation."

Lee Sang-ho, who moved from Suwon Samsung to FC Seoul at the end of 2016 on a three-year contract, can appeal the decision with the Korea Football Association's Dispute Coordination Committee within 21 days if he disagrees with the decision.

Source: Naver Sports