**South Korean Footballers Call for Enhanced Safety Measures Amid Extreme Heat Concerns**
South Korean professional footballers are advocating for stronger protections against extreme heat conditions following alarming findings from a recent survey conducted by the Korea Pro-Footballers Association (KPFA). The survey revealed that a significant number of players experienced serious health issues, including dehydration and dizziness, during the summer months when temperatures on the pitch soared above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
The KPFA surveyed 536 players from the K League and WK League, and the results highlighted the physical toll that extreme heat has on athletes. A staggering 86.2% of respondents reported experiencing significant physical strain while playing in high temperatures. Among the players surveyed, nearly two-thirds (64.7%) reported feeling dizzy during matches or training sessions, while 56.6% suffered from severe dehydration. Alarmingly, 13% of the players experienced lapses in consciousness during competition.
Lee Keun-ho, president of the KPFA and a former national team player, expressed grave concern over the findings, stating, “The fact that over 70 players experienced dizziness, dehydration, and even temporary loss of consciousness is a glaring red flag.” He emphasized the urgent need for the Korea Football Association (KFA), K League, and WK League to implement mandatory heat protocols to better protect players.
In response to the players' concerns, the KFA acknowledged that player health and safety is its "absolute top priority." The governing body confirmed that it is actively working to mitigate heat-related risks by adjusting match schedules and enforcing cooling break protocols during games. However, the KFA also noted that logistical challenges, such as stadium availability and tight scheduling, complicate these efforts.
The current cooling-break system, which typically allows players just over three minutes of rest when temperatures exceed a certain threshold, has garnered dissatisfaction from nearly half of the survey respondents. Furthermore, about 90% of players expressed support for changes to match operations during extreme heat, with many advocating for later kickoff times or even postponing matches when heat advisories are issued.
The KPFA highlighted that female players, in particular, face additional challenges, as many matches are scheduled during peak heat hours on artificial surfaces that can intensify heat exposure. Ji So-yun, president of KPFA Women’s, criticized the current scheduling practices, stating, “Playing under the scorching sun on artificial turf that traps and radiates heat is essentially forcing athletes into a furnace.” She called for a reevaluation of match scheduling, urging football authorities to prioritize player health over rigid adherence to a set timetable.
The KPFA's findings have sparked a broader conversation about the structure of South Korea’s football calendar. Many players are in favor of transitioning to an autumn-spring schedule, which could alleviate some of the heat-related challenges faced during the summer months.
As the KFA continues to address these pressing concerns, the call for improved safety measures in the face of extreme heat reflects a growing recognition of the need to prioritize player welfare in professional sports. The ongoing dialogue between players, the KPFA, and football authorities is crucial in shaping a safer environment for athletes in South Korea's competitive football landscape.