South Korean authorities have announced plans to inspect elite-level football pitches across the country, following concerns raised by national team captain Son Heung-min. The Tottenham star blamed poor playing surfaces for hurting their World Cup hopes, sparking a nationwide debate.
The issue of subpar pitches has been a longstanding problem in South Korean football. Former Manchester United and England forward Jesse Lingard, now playing for FC Seoul, also weighed in on the issue, highlighting the need for improved playing conditions.
Two recent World Cup qualifiers were moved away from Seoul due to the poor state of the capital stadium’s turf. However, Son criticized the replacement venues, stating that the team deserves better playing conditions at home. “When we’re at home, we’re supposed to enjoy the best playing conditions possible, but things have not improved at all,” Son said after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Jordan in Suwon.
In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced plans to conduct a thorough inspection of pitches at all 27 K League stadiums starting in April. Officials will also examine how other countries, including Japan, maintain their playing surfaces.
The ministry emphasized the importance of proper pitch conditions, citing their impact on player performance, injury prevention, and spectator satisfaction. “Through this inspection, we aim to identify practical solutions for improving football pitch conditions and strengthen cooperation with the league, clubs, and stadium operators to establish a sustainable management system,” a ministry official said.
South Korea is still on track to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America, but the recent draws have raised concerns about their chances. Lingard’s experience with poor pitch conditions highlights the need for urgent action to address this issue.
As the inspection gets underway, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see if the necessary improvements are made. With Son Heung-min at the helm, the South Korean national team is eager to showcase their skills on the world stage, and proper playing conditions are essential to their success.