Captain Son Heung-min says poor pitches for dwelling matches have damage South Korea’s 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign.
South Korean authorities have mentioned they may examine elite-level soccer pitches throughout the nation after nationwide skipper Son Heung-min blamed poor taking part in surfaces for hurting their World Cup hopes.
Dangerous pitches have been a operating theme in South Korean soccer, with former Manchester United and England ahead Jesse Lingard, now at FC Seoul, additionally weighing in on the controversy.
Two dwelling World Cup qualifiers this month have been moved away from Seoul due to the state of the capital stadium’s turf, however Son additionally criticised the alternative venues.
“After we’re at dwelling, we’re presupposed to get pleasure from the perfect taking part in situations doable however issues haven’t improved in any respect,” Son informed reporters after Tuesday’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Jordan in Suwon.
The Ministry of Tradition, Sports activities and Tourism mentioned on Thursday it is going to conduct a radical inspection of pitches in any respect 27 Okay League stadiums beginning in April.
Officers can even take a look at how different nations, together with Japan, keep their taking part in surfaces.
“The situation of a stadium’s pitch instantly impacts not solely participant efficiency but in addition harm prevention and spectator satisfaction,” a ministry official mentioned.
“By this inspection, we goal to establish sensible options for bettering soccer pitch situations and strengthen cooperation with the league, golf equipment and stadium operators to determine a sustainable administration system.”
Following two dwelling attracts prior to now week, in opposition to Jordan and in Guyang in opposition to Oman, Tottenham ahead Son mentioned: “I do know we are able to play higher than this however when situations on our dwelling soil get in the best way, then I ponder the place we must always get our dwelling benefit.”
South Korea are nonetheless high of Group B with 16 factors as they aim the 2026 World Cup in North America, however the successive attracts meant they squandered the prospect to seal their place at subsequent yr’s event.
Their remaining two matches within the qualifying marketing campaign in June are away to Iraq, who may shut the hole on the leaders to at least one level with a win, and at dwelling to Kuwait.
Jordan are second within the desk with 13 factors and face Oman and Iraq of their remaining video games.
Iraq’s personal hopes of qualification have been hit by the late comeback by Palestine in a 2-1 defeat last Thursday.
Former England worldwide Lingard, who moved to the Okay League final yr, final month tripped over a bit of turf whereas taking part in at dwelling for his membership, resulting in his criticism.
