Captain Son Heung-min says poor pitches for dwelling matches have harm 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 enjoying surfaces for hurting their World Cup hopes.
Unhealthy 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 talk.
Two dwelling World Cup qualifiers this month had been moved away from Seoul due to the state of the capital stadium’s turf, however Son additionally criticised the alternative venues.
“Once we’re at dwelling, we’re imagined to take pleasure in one of the best enjoying situations attainable 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 can conduct a radical inspection of pitches in any respect 27 Ok League stadiums beginning in April.
Officers can even have a look at how different nations, together with Japan, preserve their enjoying surfaces.
“The situation of a stadium’s pitch immediately impacts not solely participant efficiency but additionally damage 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 ascertain a sustainable administration system.”
Following two dwelling attracts previously week, towards Jordan and in Guyang towards Oman, Tottenham ahead Son mentioned: “I do know we will play higher than this however when situations on our dwelling soil get in the best way, then I’m wondering the place we should 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 possibility to seal their place at subsequent 12 months’s event.
Their remaining two matches within the qualifying marketing campaign in June are away to Iraq, who might shut the hole on the leaders to 1 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 had been hit by the late comeback by Palestine in a 2-1 defeat final Thursday.
Former England worldwide Lingard, who moved to the Ok League final 12 months, final month tripped over a bit of turf whereas enjoying at dwelling for his membership, resulting in his criticism.
