Lee Chun-soo, a 2002 World Cup forward on waivers since 2009, has been ordered to pay 20 million won ($17,000) in damages to his former Korean league soccer club for contract renunciation.

A high court in Gwangju ruled on Sunday that Lee must pay the damages to the Chunnam Dragons, based in South Jeolla Province. The court also ruled that his agent, surnamed Kim, pay 242 million won in damages to the team.

The court said that the club has been devalued by his rude acts against a referee, suspension and false explanation through a news conference.

In 2008, Lee joined Feyenoord of the Netherlands, however he failed to adapt, which led to Lee’s loan to the Suwon Samsung Bluewings for one year. But he performed poorly for Suwon, fought with the coaching staff, and was then suspended from the K-League.

After a few months, Suwon released him on loan to Chunnam until July 31, 2009. After signing with the Dragons, a secret contract was exposed. Feyenoord then tried to transfer Lee to Saudi club Al Nassr. The troubled soccer player also had issues getting along while at Chunnam, which had him expelled from the K-League.

He last played in the Japanese league. Currently, he does not belong to any team as a signed player.

By Chun Sung-woo (swchun@heraldcorp.com)