Reports of In-Fighting, Coach Dispute, and Calls for Resignation Plague Team Amidst Asian Cup 2023

Courtesy of KFA

Amidst mounting challenges, the South Korean men's national soccer team faces turmoil, with reports confirming a physical altercation between team captain Son Heung-min and midfielder Lee Kang-in before the crucial Asian Cup 2023 semifinals match against Jordan.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) officially acknowledged the altercation, noting that Son sustained a dislocated finger as a result of the altercation. The dispute erupted as Son attempted to prevent Lee and younger team members from engaging in a game of ping-pong ahead of the high-stakes match. 

▲ Courtesy of KFA

Following the incident, reports surfaced that senior players, including Son, urged head coach Jurgen Klinsmann to exclude Lee from the starting lineup. Despite discussions between Klinsmann and the involved players, the coach opted to start Lee, leading to a disappointing 2-0 loss against Jordan in the semifinals.

In the aftermath, local media outlets reported on KFA members recommending Klinsmann's resignation. A closed-door meeting revealed an agreement among KFA executives that Klinsmann should be removed from his post. However, KFA President Chung Mong-gyu emphasized the need for a justified reason for Klinsmann's removal.

▲ Courtesy of Jurgen Klinsmann's instagramPublic dissatisfaction with Klinsmann's coaching tactics during the Asian Cup 2023 has been palpable, prompting civic groups to file a complaint against KFA chief Chung for allegedly making unilateral coaching appointments. Even political figures, including Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, have joined in, urging the KFA to address fan complaints and terminate Klinsmann's contract.

Klinsmann, a renowned former German player, stands as one of South Korea's highest-profile head coaches. Financial considerations complicate the decision, as the termination could incur a substantial buyout fee, estimated to be around 7 billion won ($5.2 million), considering Klinsmann's reported salary of $2 million and his existing contract for another two years and five months.

The South Korean soccer federation's budget for 2023 is at a record high of 158.1 billion won ($118.2 million), heightening the financial stakes surrounding Klinsmann's potential departure.

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Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com