- Ruon Tongyik has signed with Western Sydney Wanderers
- Ex-Socceroos defender, 27, has inked a one-year deal
- Was acquitted in March of rape charges in a Sydney court
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.
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
The Sudan born star (pictured, right) always maintained the encounter with an Adelaide woman was consensual in November of 2018
‘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.
