Amid Calls for Boycott, Red Devils Affirm Support for Team Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Courtesy of KFA

The official supporters' group for the South Korean national soccer teams, known as Red Devils, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the men's team in light of calls for a boycott of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

In a message posted on the group's Instagram page, Red Devils declared their intention not to boycott the two matches against Thailand scheduled for later this month. This decision comes amid tensions stemming from a reported feud among national team players during the Asian Cup in Qatar.

Following South Korea's 2-0 loss to Jordan in the semifinals of the Asian Cup last month, reports surfaced of an altercation between team captain Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in. Lee faced criticism from the public for his perceived actions, with some advocating for his exclusion from the national team. 

▲ A message posted on the Instagram page for the Red Devils, the official supporters' group for South Korean national soccer / Courtesy of InstagramAdditionally, there have been calls for the resignation of Korea Football Association (KFA) chief Chung Mong-gyu, who was accused of unilaterally appointing former head coach Juergen Klinsmann. Klinsmann was subsequently dismissed after the Asian Cup due to alleged deficiencies in commitment, tactical preparation, and leadership, particularly in the dispute between Son and Lee.

Despite calls for a boycott, the KFA announced that the upcoming match against Thailand on March 21 at Seoul World Cup Stadium has sold out. Following this match, South Korea will travel to Bangkok for a second game scheduled for March 26.

The national team has already secured victories against Singapore and China in the second round of World Cup qualifiers, aiming to advance to the next round by finishing among the top two teams in the group.

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