Latest news with #RuonTongyik
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
A-League club confirm signing of defender after he 'faced challenges and setbacks' off the field
Former Socceroos defender Ruon Tongyik has been thrown an A-League lifeline by the Western Sydney Wanderers just months after he was acquitted of rape. Tongyik, 27, has signed a one-year deal ahead of the 2025/26 season kicking-off in October. 'I'd like to sincerely thank head coach Alen Stajcic and the Western Sydney Wanderers for this opportunity,' Tongyik said in a club statement. 'It means more than I can say to me and my family. Being able to do what I love again, playing football, is something I truly appreciate. 'After facing challenges and setbacks (in my life), this opportunity to return to the game means a lot (to me). 'It's not just about playing matches but being part of a team, working hard every day and pushing myself to be better. 'I'm excited to contribute on and off the field and help the Wanderers achieve their goals.' Football journeyman Tongyik, who enjoyed previous spells with A-League clubs Melbourne City, Brisbane Roar and Central Coast, had been on Western Sydney's books before the Wanderers and Football Australia slapped a no-fault interim suspension on him in October 2023. The ban prevented him from all football and club-related activities. Stajcic said he was looking forward to again working closely with Tongyik. 'It's been a long road for Ruon and we are all hoping the Wanderers can re-establish him as one of the most prominent players in the A-League,' the Wanderers coach said. In March, 12 jurors took less than two hours to return not-guilty verdicts for Tongyik following a two-week trial. Tongyik's friend Mardochee Manirakiza was also acquitted of two counts of aggravated sexual assault following the alleged incident in November of 2018 at his home in Adelaide. At the time, the woman reported the alleged rape to a friend, but only approached police in 2021 when her airing of the claim on Twitter led to Tongyik's dumping from Australia's men's Olympic football team. Tongyik played two Socceroos matches before the rape allegation surfaced, with his international career then put on hold.
Perth Now
12-08-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Wanderers throw ex-Socceroo lifeline
Former Socceroos defender Ruon Tongyik has been thrown a career lifeline by Western Sydney Wanderers. Tongyik, 27, has signed a one-year deal with the Wanderers five months after being found not guilty of a sexual assault charge. 'I'd like to sincerely thank head coach Alen Stajcic and the Western Sydney Wanderers for this opportunity,' Tongyik said. 'It means more than I can say to me and my family. Being able to do what I love again, playing football, is something I truly appreciate. 'After facing challenges and setbacks, this opportunity to return to the game means a lot. 'It's not just about playing matches but about being part of a team, working hard every day and pushing myself to be better. 'I'm excited to contribute on and off the field and help the Wanderers achieve their goals.' Tongyik, who had previous spells with Melbourne City, Brisbane Roar and Central Coast, had been on Western Sydney's books before the Wanderers and Football Australia slapped a no-fault interim suspension on him in October 2023 that prevented him from participating in football and club-related activities. Stajcic said it was 'great to work' with Tongyik again. 'It's been a long road for Ruon and we are all hoping the Wanderers can re-establish him as one of the prominent players in the A-League,' the Western Sydney coach. Tongyik was expected to be included in Western Sydney's squad for the club's Australia Cup round-of-16 clash against Heidelberg United on Tuesday night at Olympic Village. Three clubs – Sydney FC, Wellington Phoenix and Macarthur FC – have booked spots in the Cup quarter-finals with respective round-of-16 wins over Sydney United 58, Nunawading City and Metro Stars.
News.com.au
12-08-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Grateful defender Ruon Tongyik rejoins Western Sydney Wanderers
Former Socceroos defender Ruon Tongyik has been thrown a career lifeline by Western Sydney Wanderers. Tongyik, 27, has signed a one-year deal with the Wanderers five months after being found not guilty of a sexual assault charge. 'I'd like to sincerely thank head coach Alen Stajcic and the Western Sydney Wanderers for this opportunity,' Tongyik said. 'It means more than I can say to me and my family. Being able to do what I love again, playing football, is something I truly appreciate. 'After facing challenges and setbacks, this opportunity to return to the game means a lot. 'It's not just about playing matches but about being part of a team, working hard every day and pushing myself to be better. 'I'm excited to contribute on and off the field and help the Wanderers achieve their goals.' Tongyik, who had previous spells with Melbourne City, Brisbane Roar and Central Coast, had been on Western Sydney's books before the Wanderers and Football Australia slapped a no-fault interim suspension on him in October 2023 that prevented him from participating in football and club-related activities. Stajcic said it was 'great to work' with Tongyik again. 'It's been a long road for Ruon and we are all hoping the Wanderers can re-establish him as one of the prominent players in the A-League,' the Western Sydney coach. Tongyik was expected to be included in Western Sydney's squad for the club's Australia Cup round-of-16 clash against Heidelberg United on Tuesday night at Olympic Village. Three clubs – Sydney FC, Wellington Phoenix and Macarthur FC – have booked spots in the Cup quarter-finals with respective round-of-16 wins over Sydney United 58, Nunawading City and Metro Stars.
